Ethan Strange re-signs with Raiders to end 2028

[Raiders_Pat]

You only have to look at halves we have had over the past 20 years - Ethan Strange 5 games into his career has the potential to be better than all of them. He doesn’t seem to have any glaring weak points to his game.

Let’s go all-in on him. If we don’t, someone else will…

Yep. Those saying $700k is too much - the fact is there aren't many quality halves in the game at the moment. If you've got one in your system that you think you can work with, then you lock him in imo.

Or we wait until after November when he can negotiate on the market, and if he continues on his upwards trajectory we might be looking at forking out more to keep him. Titans, Dragons, possibly Souths and Cowboys will be looking at halves come November.

It's not a wild figure under the new cap to pay for a half. If he develops into a rep quality 6 or even close to, then $700k is looking like big unders in 2028. Worth noting that Latu Fainu was paid $500k a year to go to Tigers with zero NRL experience, Sullivan I think was at least $600k/year and he's pretty ordinary, Katoa re-signed for $650k/year recently. If the reported figures for Strange are accurate we're paying slight overs on the going rate for talented young halves.

[LimeGreenMachine]

Recruiting and signing anyone, especially young players is a risk, its mostly on potential.
Even us numptys can see that Strange is going to be special.So lock him up. Pay him on his potential.

If it takes getting his dad and sister to be part of the club, make that happen too.

[raider1981]

We better lock him up before Roosters go after him.

[Lamenting Actions]

Concur. Get him locked in.

[BJ]

We better lock him up before Roosters go after him.

Surely a young half wants to avoid Roosters after the way they’ve treated some of their past halves.

I wouldn’t want that spotlight and performance pressure that early in my career. Develop your skills and reap the benefits long term at a place where you’re currently developing well.

[raider1981]

Looks promising.

'Huge upgrade' looms for gun teenager who replaced Jack Wighton

It's taken just five weeks for unknown youngster Ethan Strange to prove himself in the No. 6. And the youngster, currently on a paltry contract, is set for a huge upgrade and extension in the coming days.

"We are set to talk about a new deal in the next few days," Strange's manager Gavin Orr said. "Ricky has been really impressed by him and Ethan loves the club so things are falling into place nicely."

Read more: https://wwos.nine.com.au/nrl/news-2024- ... 825f00e469

[Lamenting Actions]

Looks promising.

'Huge upgrade' looms for gun teenager who replaced Jack Wighton

It's taken just five weeks for unknown youngster Ethan Strange to prove himself in the No. 6. And the youngster, currently on a paltry contract, is set for a huge upgrade and extension in the coming days.

"We are set to talk about a new deal in the next few days," Strange's manager Gavin Orr said. "Ricky has been really impressed by him and Ethan loves the club so things are falling into place nicely."

Read more: https://wwos.nine.com.au/nrl/news-2024- ... 825f00e469

That's the final cherry on the top for me. I knew he loved the club already by hearing the story from his Dad about Ethan roasting the Roosters in their household, but hearing it straight from his manager is nice.

I understand what you meant about the Roosters btw. His dad is still there as their NRLW coach. I always had this fear he'd want to be with his old man at some point, but it seems like he knows what he wants and is going to stick with it. Plus, like LimeGreen suggested below, get his old man and sister here instead.

Recruiting and signing anyone, especially young players is a risk, its mostly on potential.
Even us numptys can see that Strange is going to be special. So lock him up. Pay him on his potential.

If it takes getting his dad and sister to be part of the club, make that happen too.

[RedRaider]

Anyone missing Wighton? Nope? Let's make sure Ethan gets paid.

Jack went to Redfern to win a comp.

He went to win a trophy PJ, not thinking it could be made of wood.

I hope we do get the extension done with Ethan Strange very soon. He is only missing the FG experience which he is gaining each week. He looks so comfortable in FG it is hard to believe he is still a teen ager. He has a comfortable maturity about his play, particularly in defence. When he hits the accelerator and steps he is proving very hard to contain. Early days yet, but the talent is obvious. Get it done DFJ.

[President Clinton]

I am genuinely interested to know why Sanders, Strange and Stewart chose the Raiders. I assume they have/had other clubs nipping at their heels.

Maybe it is the perceived pathway to FG? Maybe it is Ricky Stuart, or a combination.

[T_R]

I am genuinely interested to know why Sanders, Strange and Stewart chose the Raiders. I assume they have/had other clubs nipping at their heels.

Maybe it is the perceived pathway to FG? Maybe it is Ricky Stuart, or a combination.

If the figures being quoted are remotely accurate, they did it because we paid them a LOT.

[Dylan’s Raiders]

I am genuinely interested to know why Sanders, Strange and Stewart chose the Raiders. I assume they have/had other clubs nipping at their heels.

Maybe it is the perceived pathway to FG? Maybe it is Ricky Stuart, or a combination.

Ethan Strange said it was because of Sticky. Let’s be real, it’s all because of Sticky - he provides a clear path/plan to the player and their family.

[The Nickman]

I am genuinely interested to know why Sanders, Strange and Stewart chose the Raiders. I assume they have/had other clubs nipping at their heels.

Maybe it is the perceived pathway to FG? Maybe it is Ricky Stuart, or a combination.

You could just say the Raiders moved them... TO A BIGGER HOUSE!

[Cranky Old Man]

One of my best mates is on the medical staff of the Raiders, mostly working with the juniors. Through him I have had a pretty good look atthe system of culling the junior roster to its final numbers. It is a very scientific process and rigorous. A couple of years ago there were two players who made it to the final camp out in the bush on the Lake George escarpment. During questioning about an incident they both told a lie. They were both sent home immediately.

Stuart doesnt play a big part in that level of recruitment, it is mostly in the hands of Souttar. But when he does turn up he is regarded as GOD. Those young blokes almost literally revere him. (which makes me chuckle when some numpties on here disparage his interpersonal skills etc). But when the playing roster is finalised he and the other coaches maintain close contact with the families of the players. Nothing pertaining to their career is decided without reference to the families. Despite his reputation, Rick is a very personable guy, very easy to get along with. But he hates disloyalty.

[greeneyed]

I am genuinely interested to know why Sanders, Strange and Stewart chose the Raiders. I assume they have/had other clubs nipping at their heels.

Maybe it is the perceived pathway to FG? Maybe it is Ricky Stuart, or a combination.

If the figures being quoted are remotely accurate, they did it because we paid them a LOT.

I’d say that, plus a rapid development path to first grade. The club’s reputation as a development club is strong.

[Billy Walker]

When it comes to Strange’s contract, Donny needs to down a little blue pill and make it large and long.

[BadnMean]

I am genuinely interested to know why Sanders, Strange and Stewart chose the Raiders. I assume they have/had other clubs nipping at their heels.

Maybe it is the perceived pathway to FG? Maybe it is Ricky Stuart, or a combination.

Ethan Strange said it was because of Sticky. Let’s be real, it’s all because of Sticky - he provides a clear path/plan to the player and their family.

There have been a few players who've said it was the phone call or meeting with Ricky that clinched it.

I wish we were able to land some big names occasionally and think we should go back to the England well regularly too.

But you can't fault our junior pathways or selection lately.

[benda]

Lock in for sure. This kid is something special.

Looks like a smart player, nice step, speed, great running game and solid D. Is there a better 19 yr old in the comp today?

If I had to choose a team to play for my life and needed to pick between Wighton and Strange as 6 on todays form, I'd pick Strange.

[-TW-]

Ethan Strange agrees to terms for a new deal which will keep him at the Canberra Raiders for next five seasons

The Raiders have landed a major recruitment coup in the form of upgrading and extending young gun five-eighth Ethan Strange. Strange, 19, will remain with the Green Machine for at least the next five seasons after coming to terms on a new deal on Wednesday.

The next piece of the Raiders emerging talent raid is tipped to fall into place next week when Eels rookie Ethan Sanders also signs with the Raiders.

Read more: https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-pr ... 18d2be1d28

Talking about close to if not already signed a four year deal.

[Rick]

Awesome news.


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[greeneyed]

Great for the future of the club. Looking good for Sanders too.

[LimeGreenMachine]

This is great news.
Nothing is guaranteed but the potential is that we have a superstar.

[Dr Zaius]

Fantastic. I was worried that with his Dads connections, as soon as he looked promising the Roosters would come knocking.

[Billy Walker]

Wow! This is sensational news.

Jack Wighton was a great raider and I’m not as down on him as others. I still hope he has a good run at south’s and I appreciate everything he did for us.

When his contract came up I acknowledged he was close to our best player but questioned whether you keep doing the same thing hoping for a different result. I thought it was a fair counter argument from some that there wasn’t a ready made replacement on the market. I have no doubt if it was up to the club we would have kept Jack and the supporters would be happy with that outcome. I also know that would mean we could not have obtained all three of Stewart, Sanders and Strange if we kept Jack.

No disrespect to Jack, but we are in a very exciting position as a club and much better than where we were 12 months ago. The avid fans like GE who watch the juniors may have had these 3 kids on the radar but I suspect most of us hadn’t heard much about these lads.

We need to learn that nobody is irreplaceable and there is always talent coming through. We put a huge value on longevity and loyalty, and madly celebrate players who run out 300 times with little consideration for what success they brought over that very long period. We defend their selection by saying “there is nobody obviously better on the market”.

Maybe Stewart, Strange and Sanders might not all go on to have the stellar careers we hope, but if nothing else I hope we learned not to be afraid of change. Jack moving on wasn’t a brave move from the club because it was Jacks call. But I really hope we have learned that nobody is irreplaceable and sometimes when you roll the dice you end up with a better score.

What an exciting time for the club!

[President Clinton]

Fantastic. I was worried that with his Dads connections, as soon as he looked promising the Roosters would come knocking.

My immediate thought was that he’ll come off contract as he is entering his prime.

Jaded Raiders fan!

[Dr Zaius]

Fantastic. I was worried that with his Dads connections, as soon as he looked promising the Roosters would come knocking.

My immediate thought was that he’ll come off contract as he is entering his prime.

Jaded Raiders fan!

True. But by then he will have had 6 years in first grade. Established stars don't generally jump ship unless squeezed out. Jack being the obvious exception.

[dubby]

Fantastic news.

[Seiffert82]

Nice.

Not often you lock in a good spine player early in his career like that. Hopefully Sanders and Stewart prove to be the goods too.

It's been a long time since we had a bit of good fortune with young key position players having their heads screwed on.

I still wonder what could have been with Dugan, Carney, Campo and Milford.

[dubby]

Nice.

Not often you lock in a good spine player early in his career like that. Hopefully Sanders and Stewart prove to be the goods too.

It's been a long time since we had a bit of good fortune with young key position players having their heads screwed on.

I still wonder what could have been with Dugan, Carney, Campo and Milford.

Campo was ruined by serious injuries, sadly.

Dugan and Carney were just stupid people.

Milford had a sick dad, which is a euphemism for dodgy Brisbane dealings.

Milford played some of his best footy here, and I was extremely annoyed that he knocked back over a million dollars from us, because Brisbane managed to...well we all know what happened.

[Seiffert82]

Nice.

Not often you lock in a good spine player early in his career like that. Hopefully Sanders and Stewart prove to be the goods too.

It's been a long time since we had a bit of good fortune with young key position players having their heads screwed on.

I still wonder what could have been with Dugan, Carney, Campo and Milford.

Campo was ruined by serious injuries, sadly.

Dugan and Carney were just stupid people.

Milford had a sick dad, which is a euphemism for dodgy Brisbane dealings.

Milford played some of his best footy here, and I was extremely annoyed that he knocked back over a million dollars from us, because Brisbane managed to...well we all know what happened.

Yep, a combination of factors conspired against us over that period. I could add Zillman's injury and move to the Gold Coast to the list too.

Hopefully these guys are the goods. They're not the freakish talent the likes of Carney and Milford were, but they have enough potential to form a spine that could contend for a premiership in the right environment.

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[GreenMachine]

He is a far more natural ball player than Jack Wighton.
Great news if he has agreed to an extension.

[-GD-]

How good is this!

[Elcaptcroker]

If he keeps his projection going, he could very well be playing along side cleary for nsw


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[NoMan]

Sounds positive but I'll wait on the official announcement.

[Bennyboy2283]

Can’t wipe the smile off my face, we are on the up and the sky is the limit with this team

[Hong Kong Raider]

Great news ! The NSW Five Eighth spot is one of the most open in years. Cody hasn't had a good start. Luai hasn't really played well in SOO, and Brooks is unsuited as his defence is suspect. And Wighton has retired right ?

Strange has a chance to partner Cleary. Metcalf would be another bolter