HE’S STAYING HOME! Corbin Carroll has officially signed a new long-term contract with the Canberra Raiders— calling the club “family” and vowing to bring home the NRL team championships……see more

In a move no one saw coming but every Canberra Raiders fan will celebrate, **MLB All-Star and Arizona Diamondbacks phenom Corbin Carroll** has officially **signed a long-term contract with the Canberra Raiders**, pledging his future not to baseball—but to **rugby league**.

The 25-year-old baseball sensation, widely regarded as one of the fastest and most dynamic outfielders in Major League Baseball, has made the dramatic switch to the **National Rugby League**, stunning the sports world and igniting a new wave of excitement around both codes of sport.

Flanked by Raiders head coach Ricky Stuart and club legend Mal Meninga at a packed press conference in Bruce Stadium earlier today, Carroll pulled on the iconic green jersey for the first time and addressed the media with an emotional message.

> **“This place feels like home. The people, the passion, the culture — it reminds me why I fell in love with sport in the first place. Canberra welcomed me with open arms, and now I’m all in. This club is family, and I’m here to bring home some titles.”**

Carroll has reportedly signed a **four-year deal**, with the option to extend, and sources say the contract includes ambassador roles to promote rugby league in North America — potentially turning Carroll into the NRL’s most influential global figure.

The announcement comes after months of speculation around Carroll’s growing interest in rugby league. Having spent part of the MLB offseason training in Australia, Carroll was frequently seen at Raiders games, often in the locker room and on the training paddock. But few believed he’d actually make the leap — until now.

While the exact terms of the deal remain undisclosed, insiders report it’s one of the most lucrative and high-profile cross-sport contracts in NRL history. Carroll will undergo intensive rugby league training over the coming months with a target debut set for the **2026 NRL season opener**.

Raiders coach **Ricky Stuart** couldn’t hide his excitement:

> **“Corbin’s an elite athlete, and his humility, work ethic, and commitment to learning are second to none. We’re not just signing a name—we’re gaining a warrior.”**

### A Groundbreaking Moment for Global Rugby League

This signing marks a watershed moment for the NRL, signaling its potential as a truly global game. Carroll’s move follows a recent trend of cross-code athlete interest in the league, but no star of his stature has made the switch — until now.

NRL CEO Andrew Abdo praised the move:

> **“Corbin Carroll joining the Raiders is not just a boost for Canberra, it’s a global statement. Rugby league is expanding its borders, and Carroll is helping lead the charge.”**

### Reactions Pour In

Social media erupted as the news broke:

* **Pat Cummins**, Australian cricket captain: *“Welcome to the greatest game of all, @corbin_carroll. Can’t wait to see you out there.”*

* **JJ Watt**, NFL legend and rugby league supporter: *“Baseball’s loss is rugby’s gain. Big time respect for this move. All the best, Corbin!”*

* **MLB Fans**: Many expressed shock but support, praising Carroll for chasing a new challenge.

### The Mission: Bring a Premiership Home

The Raiders, who last hoisted the premiership trophy in 1994, are now squarely in the spotlight. Carroll made his intentions clear:

> **“We’re not here to play it safe. We’re here to win — for Canberra, for the fans, for the green machine. Let’s go get that trophy.”**

Carroll is set to begin pre-season training with the Raiders in December, with strength and conditioning coaches tailoring a specialized program to accelerate his rugby league readiness. He will also be involved in community outreach programs across the ACT, focusing on youth engagement and cross-cultural sporting opportunities.