The Canberra Raiders are reeling after a major off-field blow, with highly-regarded recruitment specialist Joel Carbone departing the club to join NRL rivals the Sydney Roosters.
The move, which reportedly blindsided Raiders officials and coach Ricky Stuart, has sparked fury within the Canberra camp and reignited long-standing tensions between the two clubs.
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Carbone played a pivotal role in the Raiders’ recruitment strategy and has been instrumental in the club’s recent resurgence. Canberra currently sit second on the ladder, just two points behind Canterbury, despite having fewer byes than other top-four teams.
The Sydney Morning Herald reports that Trent Robinson’s Roosters successfully lured Carbone away in a move that could have significant implications for Canberra’s future. With intimate knowledge of the Raiders’ roster and recruitment targets, Carbone’s shift to Bondi could expose the club to further poaching threats—especially concerning young stars like Ethan Strange, Owen Pattie, Chevy Stewart, and Ethan Sanders.
The move is the latest flashpoint in a tense rivalry between Stuart and Robinson, dating back years, with both clubs known for their strong junior development programs and similar player agent policies.
While the Roosters often splash on marquee names, Canberra have gained praise for their smart identification of talent from non-traditional markets, particularly England, where breakout performers like Matty Nicholson and Morgan Smithies have thrived.
Carbone’s departure leaves a gaping hole in the Raiders’ recruitment department at a critical juncture, with expansion clubs like the Perth Bears (2027) and PNG (2028) set to further intensify competition for talent. While the bulk of Canberra’s roster is secured in the short term, the club is already working on extending key deals amid fears of a destabilizing domino effect.
As the Raiders scramble to fill the recruitment void, the loss of one of Stuart’s most trusted allies marks a significant setback in their premiership push and raises pressing questions about Canberra’s ability to maintain momentum off the field.
