Raiders re-sign prop Tilse until 2016

Canberra have locked in Dane Tilse until the end of 2016, with the NRL prop signing a two-year deal on Thursday.

The 29-year-old has played all but three of his 179 first-grade games with the Raiders following his move from Newcastle to the nation’s capital in 2006.

Tilse said he’s never been happier at the club under new coach Ricky Stuart and admitted it would have been difficult to leave.

“I’ve played pretty much my whole career here so far and I’m really looking forward to another couple of years here,” he said.

“There’s a great bunch of guys here at the moment. We’ve had a reasonable start to the season but I think with some consistent performances we’re in for a really strong year.”

Tilse said helping the likes of Shannon Boyd, 21, and Paul Vaughan, 22, in their development had inspired him to become a better player and hoped to continue that work in the coming seasons.

“That’s part of your job as a senior player is to help develop the younger players and it’s a challenge I’m keen to take on over the couple of seasons,” he added.

Australian representative Josh Papalii said his teammate’s re-signing was a huge boost for the club.

“Dane is one of the most liked blokes in the club and he’s always there to help you out whenever you need him, on top of that he’s a great player and has been one of our best so far this year,” Papalii said.

The Raiders, who sit 13th on the NRL ladder with two wins in five matches, face Newcastle in Canberra on Saturday.

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