Canberra Raiders take on Irish talent for 2020

Drew Darbyshire 08 Jan 2020 1:56 PM

Ireland international Ronan Michael will join Canberra Raiders for the 2020 season.

The 19-year-old prop, who hails from Gormanston, will spend the year in Canberra’s Under-20s before returning to parent club Huddersfield.

Michael is the first player to take advantage of the club’s partnership arrangement with the Raiders. He will return to the Giants for 2021, having signed extended terms to remain at the club.

He said: “I’m delighted for this opportunity to travel to Canberra to further continue my career and my development as a rugby league player.

“I would like to thank the club and Andy Kelly (Giants football manager)for his role in allowing me to fulfil this chance of playing in a new country and in a new environment and to everyone who has supported my career so far.”

Huddersfield football manager, Andy Kelly, said: “The opportunity for Ronan to experience a full season at Canberra is a wonderful chance for him.

“He will be training and working out there as all developing NRL players do in a system at Canberra that is proven to produce high quality players.

“He remains contracted to the Giants for 2021 which is the year that we have earmarked him to really push for first-team selection and the year Down Under we feel will give him great experience and benefit him immensely ahead of his return to the club.”