Canberra’s Trey Mooney and Chevy Stewart have been given the green light to speak with rival clubs immediately, as the Raiders weigh up their squad balance ahead of next season.
The pair met with club officials and their agent on Monday, where they were told they are free to move on at the end of the year. It’s a significant development for two promising players whose paths have become increasingly blocked in a crowded roster.
Mooney, still contracted until the end of 2027, has drawn early interest from both Newcastle and St George Illawarra.
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The 23-year-old’s future has become complicated following veteran forward Josh Papalii’s decision to knock back a move to Super League, which could now influence Canberra’s cap and depth chart.
Stewart caught behind Weekes as swap talks emerge
Stewart, just 20 and signed through to the end of 2025, has barely had a look-in at NRL level, making only three appearances last year. The former Cronulla junior has found himself stuck behind Kaeo Weekes, who recently secured a long-term extension that will keep him at the club until at least 2029.
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While Canberra are open to keeping both Mooney and Stewart, they’ve left the door ajar for movement. One potential outcome being floated is a swap with the Dragons, possibly involving out-of-favour fullback Tyrell Sloan, who has also been granted permission to explore options.
The Raiders are known to be interested in off-contract winger Sione Finau, though negotiations took an awkward turn last week after word of a meeting between the club and Finau went public, frustrating Canberra’s brass.