The Canberra Raiders have wrapped up their pre-season training camp in Batemans Bay.
The club’s NRL squad has been in the town since the start of the week ahead of the 2026 season kick-off.
Coach Ricky Stuart said the Far South Coast is an important part of the Raiders footprint.
“We’ve got a number of players who have come from the South Coast who play for the Canberra Raiders,” Stuart said.
“You know we feel privileged to be able to come down and use the facilities here,” he said.
“It’s great to be able to get the players away down here. They’re over the pre-season so it’s nice to be able to get away for a three day camp and do a bit of work in different environments.”
Sticky as he is known thanked the local community for coming out to support the team during their visit this week.
The NRL stars were mobbed by school kids after an open training session at MacKay Park .
He was also impressed with one family who drove down from Newcastle so their son could meet his favourite player Kaeo Weeks.
“For them to come down to meet their idol in Kaeo Weeks was, I remember when I did that as a kid meeting all the idols I watched on TV or watched play NRL,” Stuart said.
“It’s always a special moment and special day and that young boy should be very proud of the fact that he’s got a mother and father who will drive all that way to give him this special occasion,” he said.
Stuart also gave a great wrap to local Far South Coast junior Noah Martin who is now a vital part of the Raiders NRL team after debuting last year.
“He held his own very well and made his South Coast region very proud of what can be achieved,” Stuart said.
“You know he is a great role model for young footballers here on the South Coast to see if you work hard enough, you commit and sacrifice like he has done you get that opportunity,” he said.
But the big question is what does the coach think of Noah’s stand-out hairstyle?
“I think its an Eden thing,” he said.
