Raiders sign Wigan prop Ryan Sutton
Canberra's forward stocks have received a giant boost after the signing of Wigan prop Ryan Sutton.
The Raiders have confirmed the 22-year-old will start at the club next season as a replacement for the departing Junior Paulo and Shannon Boyd.
Sutton has played 107 Super League games for the Warriors since making his debut in 2014.
He will form a frightening combination with Queensland representative Josh Papalii, who is expected to re-sign with the Raiders soon.
Sutton's arrival is a big win for the Raiders, with Wigan saying they were no chance to retain the valuable young gun.
He could be joined by Wigan teammate John Bateman in the nation's capital with the versatile 24-year-old having a release clause despite being under contract for 2019.
"Ryan made this decision a long time ago and has been transparent throughout this process," Wigan executive director Kris Radlinski said.
"He made no secret of his desire to play in Australia. There were actually no negotiations, Ryan knew that he wanted NRL and stuck firm to that."
Sutton said he couldn't wait to get to Canberra and play for the Raiders.
"Being a young lad from Wigan it was a tough decision to make to leave my hometown club but I've always wanted to try my hand in the NRL and this was a great opportunity for me," Sutton said.
