Canberra Raiders centre Matthew Timoko is reportedly set to test his value on the open market, with the Kiwi-born star expected to head to free agency on November 1 rather than activating options in his current contract.
The 25-year-old, a mainstay in the Raiders’ backline with a walk-up starting spot alongside Sebastian Kris, is contracted until the end of 2026, with mutual options for the 2027 and 2028 seasons.
However, News Corp reports that neither party has yet triggered those options, opening the door for Timoko to explore interest from rival NRL clubs.
Renowned for his explosive running and ability to break tackles, he has amassed 111 first-grade appearances, adding another 25 games in 2025, where he crossed for 10 tries and made an impressive 97 tackle busts.
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While the Raiders would undoubtedly prefer to retain the strike centre, financial and roster pressures could make that difficult.
The club faces an increasingly tight salary cap and a growing list of young talent vying for first-grade opportunities, factors that may force Canberra to make some tough decisions on retention.
The Raiders have recently secured St George Illawarra’s versatile outside back Sione Finau, who can play centre or wing. While he is expected to sit lower in the pecking order for 2026, his signing signals Canberra is preparing for potential roster changes.
If Timoko does choose to test the market, the Raiders may look to restructure their backline around younger, more affordable players, freeing up cap space for key signings elsewhere.
Such a move could benefit both sides — giving Timoko the opportunity to capitalise on his value in a position with few quality off-contract centres heading into 2027, while providing Canberra with greater flexibility for the future.