According to the Daily Telegraph, Penrith utility Daine Laurie is on the verge of moving to Canberra on a multi-year deal, Sport Confidential is reporting that the Raiders are in advanced discussions with Laurie over a deal that could stretch to three years
According to The Daily Telegraph, Penrith Panthers utility back Daine Laurie is on the brink of joining the Canberra Raiders in what’s shaping up to be a multi-year agreement. The Sport Confidential column has revealed that Canberra and Laurie’s management are in advanced negotiations, with a deal potentially extending up to three seasons.
The 25-year-old, who returned to Penrith this season after a previous stint with the Wests Tigers, has attracted strong interest from several NRL clubs. However, it appears the Raiders are now in the driver’s seat to secure his services, viewing him as a versatile option who can bolster their backline depth heading into the 2026 campaign.
Laurie, renowned for his agility, playmaking ability, and competitive spirit, has developed a reputation as one of the NRL’s most adaptable backs. Capable of playing fullback, five-eighth, or in the halves, he’s long been admired for his creativity and energy in attack. Those traits have made him an appealing target for Canberra, who are looking to rebuild and refresh their roster after an inconsistent season under coach Ricky Stuart.
Sources close to the negotiations indicate that the Raiders have been impressed with Laurie’s maturity and professionalism since returning to the Panthers. During his time at Wests, he experienced both highs and lows, but his recent performances for Penrith have shown a more composed and well-rounded footballer. Canberra reportedly sees him as the perfect fit to add spark to their attacking structure, which has lacked consistency at times.
Laurie’s possible move also coincides with the Raiders’ need to revitalize their spine, especially with uncertainty surrounding key playmakers and the evolving roles of several younger players. A three-year deal would not only offer stability for Laurie but also give Canberra a long-term solution in multiple positions.
The Panthers, meanwhile, are understood to be reluctant but realistic about Laurie’s situation. With a stacked roster and salary cap considerations, Penrith face the difficult task of retaining all their talent. Laurie’s versatility has been valuable for the Panthers this year, particularly during periods of injury and Origin duty absences. Yet, given their depth across the backline and emerging young stars, they may not be able to match the length and financial appeal of Canberra’s offer.
For Laurie, the potential move to the nation’s capital represents both a fresh start and an opportunity to cement a more permanent role. His time at the Tigers saw flashes of brilliance — including standout performances at fullback — but also inconsistency. Returning to Penrith allowed him to refine his game in a structured and championship-winning environment, learning from elite teammates and coaches. That experience could now pay off if he takes on a leadership role in Canberra’s backline.
The Raiders’ recruitment drive has been notably strategic in recent months, focusing on players who bring versatility and proven NRL experience. After losing several veterans and dealing with injuries to key players this year, Canberra’s coaching staff is determined to strike the right balance between youth and experience. Laurie, with more than 60 NRL appearances under his belt, fits that bill perfectly.
If the deal is finalized in the coming weeks, it will mark another significant move in what’s already been an active NRL off-season. Laurie’s signing could also have a ripple effect on other player movements, as clubs continue to maneuver around the new salary cap landscape and roster restrictions.
Fans in Canberra are expected to welcome the news, seeing Laurie as a dynamic addition who can inject creativity and speed into their attack. His attacking instincts, footwork, and ability to read defensive structures could make him a key figure in reshaping the Raiders’ offensive game plan in 2026 and beyond.
While no official announcement has been made, insiders suggest that the deal could be confirmed within days once final contract details are ironed out. Both the Raiders and Laurie’s camp are said to be optimistic about reaching an agreement soon.
Should the move proceed as expected, it will be a reunion of sorts for Laurie with several former teammates and rivals he’s faced since his debut season in 2020. More importantly, it’s a chance for him to take the next step in his career — from a utility role at Penrith to a potential starting position in a club eager to rise back into finals contention.
As The Daily Telegraph put it, Laurie’s transition to Canberra “makes perfect sense for both parties” — the Raiders gain a creative spark with top-level experience, while Laurie secures a fresh challenge and a longer-term deal. With official confirmation pending, all signs point to the Green Machine gearing up to welcome a new weapon to their lineup for the seasons ahead.
In what could be one of the most intriguing signings of the off-season, Daine Laurie’s journey from the Panthers’ bench to the Raiders’ key playmaker might soon be complete — a move that could redefine both his career and Canberra’s attacking future.
