ACT and NSW Governments back Canberra Raiders centre of excellence

A groundbreaking three-way deal will see the ACT and NSW Governments partner to back the Canberra Raiders’ plans for a $19 million centre of excellence that will secure the club’s long-term NRL future.

The partnership will see the ACT Government contribute $5 million and the NSW Government $4 million to the Raiders' long-sought-after NRL centre of excellence at Braddon. The Raiders Group will fund the remaining $10 million.

Almost three years after starting a development application for Northbourne Oval, the Raiders have announced the move from their current headquarters in the suburb of Bruce in a move the club hopes will assist its ability to attract and retain top players.

The high-performance complex, set to house the NRL team and juniors along with any prospective women's team, is expected to be ready in time for the 2020 season.

The centre will include a gym, medical and sports-science facilities, and room to house community programs such as former Raiders captain Alan Tongue's mentoring and team-building programs, as well as Menslink and PCYC youth programs.

The centre of excellence plan was spurred by a warning from coach Ricky Stuart in 2016 that the Raiders had "outgrown" their Bruce headquarters and risked falling behind rivals.

The development also opens the way for their current facility to become an academy for the NSW Country Rugby League.

Commenting on the funding, ACT Sports Minister Yvette Berry said the centre highlighted how governments could work together, stating “this is another important ACT Government investment in Canberra’s growing and diversifying economy.

"Providing a state-of-the-art HQ for one of Canberra’s elite sporting teams, combined with new community facilities, in the heart of the city will enhance the area and provide new opportunities for Canberrans of all ages and abilities to get involved with the sport.

"In addition to this facility supporting rugby league programs in the ACT, it will also support the surrounding NSW region.”

The NSW Government gave six NSW NRL clubs grants for their own centres of excellence last year, with Newcastle, South Sydney, Cronulla, the Sydney Roosters, Canterbury and Wests Tigers all getting various levels of funding. 

Image: The Canberra Raiders in 2017.

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