Breaking news: In a significant development for the NRL, the Canberra Raiders have officially appointed former Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs head coach Dean Pay as their new senior coaching staff….

In a significant development for the NRL, the Canberra Raiders have officially appointed former Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs head coach Dean Pay as their new senior coaching staff….

In a significant development for the National Rugby League, the Canberra Raiders have officially appointed former Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs head coach Dean Pay as their new manager. The announcement was confirmed by the Raiders’ board on Tuesday morning, ending weeks of speculation surrounding the club’s future leadership.

Pay, 55, is no stranger to the Raiders. A proud former player, he made his first-grade debut with the club in the late 1980s and was part of the golden era that delivered premiership success in 1989 and 1990. Known for his toughness, leadership, and uncompromising style on the field, Pay remains a respected figure in Canberra’s rich rugby league history. His return to the nation’s capital, this time in a managerial capacity, is being viewed as both a homecoming and a fresh chapter.

Club chairman Dennis Richardson hailed the appointment as a turning point for the Raiders. “Dean embodies everything this club stands for—hard work, resilience, and loyalty. His deep understanding of the game and his connection to Canberra make him the right man to guide us into the next phase of our journey. We believe he has the vision and leadership qualities to restore the Raiders to consistent premiership contention.”

Pay’s coaching career has seen its ups and downs. After serving in various assistant coaching roles, he was appointed Bulldogs head coach in 2018. While his tenure at Belmore was marked by challenges, particularly financial constraints and roster rebuilds, he earned respect for his commitment and ability to nurture younger players. Those qualities, the Raiders believe, will be invaluable as the club looks to balance seasoned campaigners with emerging talent.

In his first press conference as Raiders manager, Pay expressed both gratitude and determination. “Canberra has always been close to my heart. This is the club where I grew up as a player, and now I have the privilege to help shape its future off the field. The Raiders have passionate fans, a proud history, and a bright future. My focus will be on building a strong culture, supporting the coaching staff, and ensuring our players have everything they need to succeed.”

The appointment comes at a crucial time. The Raiders have endured an inconsistent run over the past two seasons, missing out on finals football and grappling with key player injuries. With several contracts expiring at the end of the year, Pay’s first major task will be to manage roster decisions and strengthen the club’s recruitment strategy.

Reactions from fans have been largely positive, with many welcoming the return of a club legend. “Dean Pay knows what it means to wear the green jersey,” one supporter wrote on social media. “That’s exactly the type of leader we need right now.” Others, however, have expressed cautious optimism, pointing to the challenges Pay faced during his Bulldogs stint.

Still, the overwhelming sense within the Raiders’ community is one of renewed hope. The return of a familiar face who bleeds green has reignited excitement and belief in the direction of the club.

For Dean Pay, this appointment represents more than just another step in his coaching and management career. It is a return home—a chance to repay the club that shaped him and to leave a lasting mark on the next generation of Raiders.