For an NRL team, shoring up young talent is a key proposition, and the Canberra Raiders have done just that – extending the contract of talented youngster Brad Smith, for one more year.
The extension will see Smith see out his time at the Raiders Toyota Cup team, and the young talent is pleased to have his future sorted.
“It means a lot to me to re-sign with the Raiders,†said Smith.
“I’ve worked hard to get where I am and it’s good to get my future sorted out for next year.
“I’ve settled in well down here and the club as a whole has been really supportive of me. I’m really enjoying my time here at the Raiders.â€
Although he attracted interest from other teams, Smith chose to say due to the Raiders development program in nurturing and looking after their local juniors.
“My game has improved remarkably since I’ve come down here. I’m a completely different player and I’m confident that I can play at this level now,†he said.
“There’s a good vibe around the team at the moment and hopefully we can keep winning and increase our winning streak of six in a row.â€
Andrew Dunemann, the Raiders NYC coach, said that the contract extension is just desserts for Smith, who Duneman says has a brilliant work ethic.
“Brad has a fantastic ability to learn,†Dunemann said.
“He’s a very raw talent and you can tell that he hasn’t been in a system like a lot of other blokes, but he’s made a dramatic improvement in his game since the start of the year and has the right attitude to keep on improving.â€