Canberra have pinched Penrith second-rower Zac Hosking in a big boost to the club’s forward stocks on the eve of the NRL season.
With captain and fellow back-rower Elliott Whitehead announcing 2024 will be his last campaign, the Raiders have shored up the position for the longer-term with Hosking signing a three-year deal.
Penrith confirmed they would immediately release the 26-year-old to his new club, where he’ll compete with Whitehead and NSW State of Origin forward Hudson Young for the starting jobs.
The Raiders had been fleetingly linked with premium edge forwards such as David Fifita and Keaon Koloamatangi, but will have to settle for the former Brisbane and Penrith man.
Hosking spent just one season at the Panthers and played 21 matches, but fell out of the lineup towards the back-end of the campaign and didn’t play in the grand final.
“In the brief time we’ve known Zac, and through watching him play in the NRL over the last few seasons, it’s evident that his work ethic, ability, and character will be great additions to our Club,” Canberra recruiting boss Joel Carbone said in a statement.
“He also adds some versatility to our squad having played several positions in his career and we’re delighted to have him on board.”
The Raiders lacked depth in the back row last season after Corey Harawira-Naera suffered a mid-game seizure, with regular middle forward Corey Horsburgh having to spend time on an edge.
Canberra coach Ricky Stuart has previously said Harawira-Naera is unlikely to play NRL again due an undisclosed medical condition.
The Raiders have added English forward Morgan Smithies in the off-season, with exciting youngster Kaeo Weekes bolstering their spine options.
Hosking was likely to again be behind Liam Martin, Sean Sorensen and Luke Garner on the depth chart if he had stayed at the three-time reigning champion Panthers.
“After coming to the Panthers and being an integral member of the 2023 squad, we always knew keeping Zac at the club beyond 2024 would always be an uphill battle,” Panthers chief executive Matt Cameron said in a statement.
