TOUCH DOWN FEW MINUTES AGO: Canberra Raiders Star prop forward Joe Tapine officially announced and submitted his resignation letter, As fans and entire NRL community react in shocking, head coach Ricky Stuart saying am going to making Ethan Strange the new C……view more

TOUCH DOWN FEW MINUTES AGO: Joe Tapine Stuns NRL With Resignation, Ricky Stuart Moves Quickly to Announce Successor

In a thunderous turn of events that has left fans gasping across the National Rugby League (NRL), Canberra Raiders star prop forward Joe Tapine has officially announced his resignation, submitting his letter just minutes ago. The announcement, confirmed by the Raiders’ front office, sent immediate shockwaves throughout the rugby league community, with supporters, players, and analysts struggling to process the news.

Tapine, widely regarded as one of the toughest and most consistent forwards in the NRL, has been a cornerstone of the Raiders’ pack. His sudden departure comes as the Raiders were building momentum heading into the 2025 season, making this development all the more jolting.

Fan Shockwaves Across the League

Social media exploded within minutes of the news, with Raiders fans expressing disbelief and heartbreak at losing a player of Tapine’s caliber. Many described him as “the soul of Canberra’s forward line” and a “warrior who never gave up.”

Ricky Stuart Responds Immediately

Head coach Ricky Stuart, himself only recently returning to a new leadership role with the Raiders, addressed the media in a hurried press conference outside GIO Stadium.

“I won’t lie—this one hurts,” Stuart admitted. “Joe has been an incredible leader and one of the best blokes to ever put on a Raiders jersey. But rugby league is about moving forward. I am going to make Ethan Strange the new captain and build around him. He’s young, hungry, and ready for the responsibility.”

Strange, the 20-year-old rising star, has been on the radar as one of the most promising prospects in the NRL. Stuart’s bold move signals a new era for the Raiders, putting the weight of leadership onto the shoulders of a player many see as the future of the club.

What’s Next?

Questions remain over Tapine’s immediate future—whether his resignation signals retirement, a code switch, or an imminent signing with another NRL rival. Meanwhile, the Raiders must regroup quickly, with Strange now tasked to lead a squad still reeling from the sudden loss of its veteran enforcer.

For the Canberra faithful, tonight’s news marks the end of an era—and the beginning of an uncertain, but potentially exciting, new chapter.