BREAKING NEWS: Canberra Raiders National Rugby League NRL Community and the entire organization reach in shocked as head Coach Ricky Stuart made a bold Announcement that Joe Tapine has Submitted his…….. view

BREAKING NEWS: Canberra Raiders in Shock as Joe Tapine Submits Unexpected Request – Coach Ricky Stuart Reacts

In a stunning development that has sent shockwaves through the Canberra Raiders community and the wider NRL world, Head Coach Ricky Stuart has confirmed that star forward Joe Tapine has submitted his formal request to be released from his contract — effective immediately.

Speaking at a hastily arranged press conference this afternoon, a visibly emotional Stuart addressed the media, saying:

“This is not something any of us saw coming. Joe has been a cornerstone of our team, a leader on and off the field. His request has taken the entire organization by surprise, and we’re still processing what it means for the club moving forward.”

Tapine, 31, is widely regarded as one of the most consistent and dominant forwards in the NRL. Having joined the Raiders in 2016, he’s become a fan favourite and a crucial part of Canberra’s spine over the last decade. His form in recent seasons had many tipping him as a future club captain.

While neither Stuart nor Raiders officials would go into the full details behind the decision, sources close to the club suggest that Tapine’s release request is related to personal and professional opportunities overseas, possibly linked to a lucrative offer from an English Super League club or even a switch to rugby union.

Tapine has yet to make a public statement, but his management released a brief comment late Sunday:

“Joe has loved his time at the Raiders and remains grateful to the fans and the organization. This decision was not made lightly, but he believes it is the right move for him and his family at this stage of his career.”

The timing of the announcement — just weeks before pre-season preparations for 2026 are set to begin — leaves a massive hole in the Raiders’ forward pack. The club is expected to explore both internal and external options to replace the New Zealand international, though finding a player of Tapine’s calibre on short notice will be no easy task.

Fans have flooded social media with reactions ranging from heartbreak to speculation, with hashtags like #ThankYouTapine and #GreenMachineShock trending across platforms.

Stuart concluded the presser with a message to the fans:

“Joe has earned the respect of everyone in this building. Whatever happens next, he’ll always be a Raider in our eyes. But we’ve got work to do — and we’ll be ready.”