The Canberra Raiders have announced the re-signing of Simi Sasagi on a new two-year deal, which will see him remain with the club until the end of the 2028 season.
Sasagi signed a one-year extension last year, with his form and performances this season earning him a further two-year contract.
In what has been a breakout season for Sasagi, he said he’s excited to continue his time in Canberra and to continue to build and improve as a player.
“I’m grateful to be staying here for the next couple of years and to continue to become better each day,” Sasagi said. “A big goal of mine was to have a consistent, good year of footy and I think I’ve done that this year.
“That’s based on the form of the people around me playing good footy and I’ve just been playing off the back of that.”
Sasagi said he’s enjoyed the ability to cover several positions in the team and provide the squad with a player who wants to do what’s best for his side each week.
“I’m just grateful that I’ve got the trust in the coaching staff to fill those roles and put the team first. Wherever the team needs me, I’ll be there,” he said.
With the Raiders continuing to secure their roster for the years ahead, Sasagi said he is looking forward to continuing his career alongside a group of players who are committed and determined to do something special.
“Going forward, the team and squad look like they’ll be together for at least another couple of seasons, which really sets the club up well for the next two to three years,” Sasagi said. “The pleasing thing is having that same core group. We want to build on the connection we’ve created this year, and I think that will go a long way towards future success. That’s something exciting I want to be part of.”
Raiders Coach Ricky Stuart said Sasagi had shown this season what he is capable of and knew that if he continued his current trajectory, the sky was the limit for him.
“We’ve always known Simi has talent and this year we’ve seen that talent come through off the back of the hard work and commitment he’s shown right from the start of the pre-season,” Stuart said. “Simi’s versatility and ability to cover so many positions is valuable for our squad and the way in which he’s been able to fit in where he’s been needed this year is a credit to him and the hard work he’s done.
“We know Simi’s best football is still ahead of him and we’re very happy to have him stay with the club for another three years.”
