NRL

Canberra has moved to strengthen its forward pack for 2027, with Broncos forward Jaiyden Hunt reportedly agreeing to join the Raiders.

According to The Canberra Times, the 28-year-old has secured a two-year deal worth around $350,000 in total as Ricky Stuart continues reshaping his roster for next season.

Hunt has spent the past three seasons with Brisbane after returning to Queensland in 2024 following an earlier NRL stint with St George Illawarra.

After an incredibly disappointing season for the Broncos, several players have now confirmed their exits, headlined by Payne Haas and representative centre Gehamat Shibasaki as well as the retirement of star halfback Adam Reynolds.

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The continued turnover will only add to the pressure facing Brisbane in 2027, with Michael Maguire tasked with rebuilding the Broncos after their disastrous premiership defence saw them plummet from champions to 15th on the ladder in the space of just 12 months.

Capable of playing through the middle or on an edge, Hunt has largely operated as a depth option at the Broncos but has been called upon regularly when injuries and representative commitments have stretched the squad.

His arrival comes at an important time for Canberra, with veteran Josh Papalii retiring while Corey Horsburgh and Morgan Smithies will both join the Perth Bears in 2027.

The Raiders have also secured Bulldogs forward Lipoi Hopoi for next season, although the young recruit recently suffered an ACL injury that will delay his opportunity to push for a place in Stuart’s pack.

Hunt may not arrive as one of Canberra’s headline recruits, but his experience and versatility should provide some valuable depth as the Raiders rebuild an engine room that will look considerably different in 2027.

NRL

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