The Canberra Raiders have secured a vital piece of their future with versatile utility Simi Sasagi officially signing a long-term extension that will keep him in lime green for the foreseeable future. The news comes as a major boost for Ricky Stuart’s squad ahead of their much-anticipated clash with the Penrith Panthers this Friday night.
For Sasagi, the decision to stay was an easy one. His words, filled with genuine humility and passion, made it clear just how much the Raiders mean to him.
“I’m just happy to be here and I want to stay here as long as I can,” Sasagi said. “This club has done so much for me. The coaches, the boys in the locker room, and the supporters — everyone has made me feel like I’m part of a family. To be able to put pen to paper and give something back is really special.”
At just 23, Sasagi has already established himself as one of the NRL’s most dependable utilities, capable of slotting into multiple positions when needed. That adaptability has been invaluable to the Raiders, particularly in tight games where injuries and tactical adjustments have demanded flexibility. Coaches and teammates alike have praised his work ethic and team-first attitude, qualities that made re-signing him a priority for the club’s football department.
Raiders head coach Ricky Stuart welcomed the news with enthusiasm, calling Sasagi’s commitment a reflection of the culture Canberra is trying to build.
“Simi has been outstanding for us — not just for what he does on the field, but also for the kind of person he is off it,” Stuart said. “He trains hard, he puts the team first, and he genuinely cares about this club. These are the type of players you want to build around, and we’re thrilled to have him with us for years to come.”
The re-signing has also been met with excitement from fans, many of whom took to social media to celebrate Sasagi’s decision to stay. Supporters praised his versatility and his connection with the community, noting that players like him embody the heart and identity of the Raiders.
The timing of the announcement couldn’t be better. With a blockbuster showdown against reigning heavyweights the Penrith Panthers looming, Sasagi’s new deal provides a morale boost for the squad and fans alike. The Raiders are in the thick of the finals race, and the added stability of securing key talent only strengthens their ambitions for both the present and the future.
Sasagi himself is eager to repay the faith shown in him. “The Raiders have given me a real chance to prove myself. I want to make the most of it, keep working hard, and hopefully bring some success to this club. We’ve got a special group here, and I believe we can achieve big things together.”
As the green machine prepares to face Penrith under the bright lights this Friday, the energy within the camp has lifted. With Simi Sasagi now locked in for the long term, the Raiders aren’t just building for one game — they’re laying the foundation for a sustainable future where loyalty, passion, and belief drive their ambitions.
For the Raiders faithful, Sasagi’s signature is more than just a contract. It’s a statement of intent — a sign that the club’s future is in safe hands and that the journey toward NRL glory is one step closer to becoming reality.