Exciting young Wests Tigers hooker Stuart Flanagan will be wearing green in 2009, after agreeing to a new three year deal with the Raiders today.
Flanagan, aged 21, is originally from the NSW town of Cooma not too far from the ACT, and returns to his home region after three years with the Wests Tigers.
Before that he played for the Western Suburbs Magpies in their junior teams, in both the Harold Matthew's and SG Ball competitions.
Flanagan said he's looking forward to playing with the Raiders next year, but said he would remained focused on the Tigers 2008 campaign until the end of the season.
"It's exciting to be going down to Canberra next year, they have a lot of good young players and I think there's a bright future there," Flanagan said. "Having said that I'm still committed to the Tigers this year, and I'm looking forward to playing some good footy for them."
Flanagan said he will be looking to further build his career in the national capital, and was excited about playing alongside the likes of Todd Carney and Alan Tongue.
"Todd is a great player and I've played with him and Joe Picker before with the junior kangaroos in 2006," he said. "I haven't met Alan before but from what I hear he's a great leader and a great guy to play with."
Raiders CEO Don Furner said Flanagan's signing was a huge positive for the Club, and he would be a welcome addition to the Raiders in 2009.
"Stuart is a local product who is returning home after establishing himself as a star of the future," Furner said. "We look forward to having him here from the start of next season, and wish him the best of luck for the remainder of 2008."
Furner said Flanagan's signing had continued the Raiders strong association with the country region.
"We like to think we are the country club, and Stuart's signing has further endorsed this fact," Furner said. "It's a great environment in Canberra for the country boys and Stuart should find himself at home with the Raiders."
Wests Tigers Coach Tim Sheens said Flanagan would be an asset for the Raiders, and wished him the best for the future.
"We wish Stuart all the very best. He has done his apprenticeship at Wests Tigers and he is obviously looking to establish his own first grade career. It was always going to be difficult behind Robbie Farah."
"Stuart has worked hard here and he is a credit to himself and his family."
Flanagan made his debut in 2006 and has played 14 first grade games for the Tigers.
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