The Canberra Raiders are excited to announce the signing of Kiwi Ferns centre Leianne Tufuga on a three-year deal.
Tufuga has played 28 games for the Sydney Roosters and Wests Tigers across her four seasons of NRLW, including being part of the Roosters 2021 NRLW Premiership.
The 23-year-old has also played six Tests for the Kiwi Ferns, part of their 2023 and 2024 Pacific Championships campaigns.
Tufuga said she is excited to join the club and make the move to Canberra in 2025.
“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to join the Canberra Raiders. Not everyone is open to embracing the unique lifestyle here, but I’m excited to take on this new challenge and shift that perspective—both for myself and others,” Tufuga said.
“Joining a new club, especially one that’s actively supporting women in league, is a chance to contribute to something meaningful. I believe the challenges ahead will lead to both personal and collective growth and I’m excited to be a part of that.
“This is an exciting new chapter in my journey and I’m confident the Raiders will welcome me with open arms.
“I’m really looking forward to this next step. While I’m currently enjoying my time at home, I know once I arrive in Canberra, I’ll dive in wholeheartedly, embracing everything the Raiders and the community have to offer.
“Canberra presents a chance for me to create a new sense of belonging, drive and meaningful change. I’m eager to face the challenges ahead, knowing they will bring positive growth for me and the team.”
Raiders NRLW coach Darrin Borthwick said he is excited to have locked in Tufuga until the end of 2027.
“Leianne obviously came on the market and was appealing. I’d coached Leianne before, she’s another one I think will fit into what we are doing here as a club and can cover a few positions,” Borthwick said.
“She had a really good international series for New Zealand and performed well for the Tigers. It’s very comforting to know that someone of Leianne’s calibre is coming to us and has chosen the Raiders to call home for the next three years and hopefully elevate her football and more importantly enjoy it.”
