CANBERRA RAIDERS NAME HUDSON YOUNG AS SHOCK CAPTAIN FOR 2026 SEASON
In a bold and carefully considered decision, Canberra Raiders CEO Don Furner Jr., head coach Ricky Stuart, and the club’s entire coaching staff have unanimously agreed on a new captain for the 2026 NRL season — and in a move that has caught much of the rugby league world off guard, the armband will be handed to Hudson Young.
The announcement comes after weeks of internal discussions following speculation around the club’s long-term leadership direction. While many expected incumbent skipper Joseph “Joe” Tapine to continue in the role, or rising forward Jed Stuart to be groomed as his successor, the Raiders have instead opted for a fresh but highly respected voice to lead the Green Machine into a new era.
Hudson Young’s appointment signals a strategic shift rather than a sudden change. At just 27, Young has steadily built a reputation as one of the Raiders’ most influential on-field figures. Known for his uncompromising competitiveness, relentless work rate, and emotional investment in the club, Young has evolved into a leader whose actions consistently set standards within the squad.
Coach Ricky Stuart, speaking on the decision, described Young as “a natural leader who commands respect without demanding it.” Stuart emphasized that captaincy at the Raiders is about more than seniority or tenure. “Hudson lives and breathes this club. He trains hard, plays tough, and holds himself and others accountable every single week. That’s what leadership looks like in our environment,” Stuart said.
CEO Don Furner Jr. echoed those sentiments, noting that the decision was made collectively and with the club’s long-term vision firmly in mind. “We wanted a captain who reflects where the Raiders are heading — resilient, hungry, and united. Hudson represents that identity perfectly,” Furner Jr. said.
Importantly, the club was quick to stress that the decision does not diminish Joseph Tapine’s standing or influence. Tapine is expected to remain a senior leader within the squad and a key pillar of the Raiders’ forward pack. The leadership group will continue to play a major role in guiding the team, with experience and mentorship seen as critical to success in 2026 and beyond.
For Young, the appointment marks a defining moment in his career. Since arriving at Canberra, he has grown from a high-energy edge forward into one of the competition’s most consistent back-rowers. His passion, occasionally spilling over into raw emotion, has long endeared him to Raiders fans — and the club now believes that same fire can inspire the playing group at the highest level.
As the Raiders prepare for the 2026 season, the decision to hand the captaincy to Hudson Young represents both continuity and evolution. It is a statement of trust in the club’s internal culture and a clear signal that Canberra is ready to embrace a new leadership chapter — one driven by intensity, accountability, and belief.
The armband has found a new home, and for the Green Machine, a new era begins.
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