The Canberra Raiders male pathways have bolstered their 2025 coaching ranks, appointing Former Wallaby Matt Giteau, Dual NRL Premiership winner Dale Finucane and Former Raider (#371) Matt Frawley as specialist coaches.
Rostered on a part-time basis, the three pathways coaches will assist the Harold Matthews and SG Ball Cup programs along with the Raiders Academy in specialist attack and defence coaching.
Canberra local and Wallaby great Matt Giteau declared he's grateful to be involved with the Raiders, especially given the history of his father Ron Giteau (Raider #38) and brother Justin Giteau at the club.
"To be involved with the Raiders is very special. It's only a small and limited capacity, but I'm honored to be here especially given the history of my father and brother being involved as well," Giteau said.
"I'll be more attack focused - catch and pass, ball handling, decision making and skills specific training. It's also great to connect with guys like Dale and Matt and work with them."
Dual Premiership winner and Origin forward Dale Finucane is excited to join the club's junior coaching ranks and pass on his wealth of experience to the future of the Raiders.
"Obviously living relatively close to Canberra, it was a really good fit for me. I'll be specialising in more defensive wrestle specific training."
"I particularly enjoy working with this age group of 16-20 year olds where everyone is wanting to get better and aspiring to play NRL. To be able to impact those guys and see their progression is really exciting," Finucane said.
Former Raiders half Matt Frawley describes his return to the ACT as a 'full circle moment,' as the local junior joins the club's pathways coaching after announcing his retirement from playing earlier this year.
"It's a bit of a full circle moment, especially coming back to the junior reps. Coming through the grades playing u16's and u18's, to be back as a coach is pretty crazy but really happy to be here," Frawley said.
"I think the whole program has come leaps and bounds. To have the likes of Dale and Matt, and the current coaches that are here is awesome for the kids and a good thing for the club."
Canberra Raiders Pathways & Performance Manager Tim Wykes was thrilled with the three appointments, highlighting the high-level coaching the junior Raiders will receive is invaluable.
"The knowledge they have and can pass on to our group is so impressive," Wykes said.
"It's not just their skills and experience, it's the quality of human they are too. You couldn't find three better gentlemen so we're really lucky and privileged to have them."
This announcement comes after the Canberra Raiders senior coaches held a Coaches Forum at Raiders HQ, Braddon in late November.
Coordinated by Raiders Elite Pathways Coach Jeremy Braun, Raiders Coach Ricky Stuart and NRL Assistant Coaches passed on knowledge and techniques to the club's junior reps, Raiders Academy, Monaro Colts and Riverina Bulls coaches.
This initiative is an extension of what the club are investing in their pathways.
