The Canberra Raiders are pleased to announce the re-signing of Shakiah Tungai and Kerehitina Matua for the 2025 NRLW season.
Tungai and Matua are foundation Raiders NRLW players and have been strong contributors to the team, having each played 16 games across the club’s two seasons.
The 2025 season will be Tungai’s seventh NRLW season, having been a part of the competition since it commenced in 2018.
The 28-year-old has had an impressive career to date, including representing the Australian Jillaroos, NSW Sky Blues, Indigenous All Stars and being part of one NRLW grand final.
Matua will return for her third season with the Raiders, making her NRLW debut in 2023.
The 25-year-old is also a Cook Islands Moana representative and has played for the NZ Māori Ferns in four All Stars matches.
The duo will return to Canberra in time for the commencement of the NRLW pre-season in early May, with the competition kicking off on July 5.
Raiders NRLW coach Darrin Borthwick said Tungai and Matua were always part of his plans for the 2025 season and looks forward to their return to Canberra.
“Shak loves this club and she does a really good job for us,” Borthwick said.
“It’s terrific to have her back, she’ll play a big part in the success of our team.
“I’m very happy to have her back and I’m looking for a big season from Shak. I know she’s super keen to have a good season as well.
“You talk about players that love to play for this club, Shak’s a perfect example of giving it all she’s got every time she puts the jersey on.
“I know Kere’s very hungry to come back and represent this club and play to the best of her ability and put last year to bed with the way it finished for her.
“I know she’s very excited and can’t wait to get back here and rip into pre-season and I know she wants to be a better version of herself.
“She’s a good player and we want her in a good mindset to play an important role in the team and what we do with our success on and off the field this year.”
Tungai said she is looking forward to returning to Canberra for her third season in green in 2025.
“I’m super grateful and humble to be returning home for the 2025 season,” Tungai said.
“I have so much love for the club and I’m excited and can’t wait to get around all the crew again.”
Matua is also looking forward to coming back to Canberra for the club’s third season in the NRLW competition.
“It is always an honour and a privilege to be back in the squad. I can’t wait to get stuck into it,” Matua said.
“Mate ururoa mo te hemo tonu atu.”
