Canberra have shaken off poaching attempts from their NRL rivals to lock Joseph Tapine into a four-year contract extension.

The New Zealand powerhouse has arguably become the most damaging prop in the game after leading the NRL in post-contact metres and managing the second-most offloads this season.

The 28-year-old attracted interest from a number of clubs but on Monday was confirmed on a new four-year deal at the Raiders, where he was already signed to play next season.

Tapine won his first Meninga Medal as the Raiders’ player of the year recently, polling double the votes of any other player to underline his influence in Ricky Stuart’s side.

“There’s no doubt Joe has had his best season in the NRL in 2022 and we’re very excited to have him re-commit to the club for the long-term,” Raiders CEO Don Furner said. 

“His development on and off the field has been something that we’re very proud of and we know he will continue to be one of the most valuable parts of our side in the future.

“We wish Joe all the best on his upcoming World Cup campaign with New Zealand and we can’t wait to see him back on the field for the Raiders for the next five seasons.”