Versatile NRL back Daine Laurie has declared his move to the Canberra Raiders represents a 'now or never' moment for his professional rugby league career. After stints with Penrith and Wests Tigers, the 26-year-old sees the capital as his final opportunity to lock down a permanent first-grade spot.
A Last Chance in Lime Green
Laurie, who has played 76 NRL games across his career, signed a three-year deal with the Green Machine during the off-season. He began at Penrith, spent three years with the Wests Tigers, and returned to the Panthers for two more seasons before his Canberra switch.
'Yeah, 100 per cent,' Laurie told The Canberra Times when asked if this was a critical juncture. 'This is probably now-or-never-type thing for me. I'm 26 years old. You try and find a permanent spot in the team as you get older.'
Setting Sights on the Six Jersey
The recruit has arrived with clear ambition, immediately targeting the Raiders' No.6 jersey currently worn by emerging playmaker Ethan Strange. Laurie's versatility also makes him an option for fullback, the outside backs, or a utility role on the bench.
Reflecting on his time at the Wests Tigers, where he lost his fullback position to Jahream Bula after injury, Laurie said the experience was formative. 'Playing A-grade as a 21-year-old, week-in, week-out, it was good. It made me mature as a footy player,' he said.
Lessons from Panthers Leadership
Laurie spent the past two seasons at Penrith, often playing NSW Cup behind star fullback Dylan Edwards. He says he absorbed invaluable lessons about leadership from Panthers captains Nathan Cleary and Isaah Yeo.
'Their motto is leadership starts at the bottom. So everyone's got a voice up there,' Laurie explained. 'The last two years that I just spent up there was a really good time and on to bigger and better things.'
Now settled in Canberra after initially living in a hotel, Laurie is enduring a trademark tough pre-season with the Raiders. He is determined to be part of Ricky Stuart's 17 for round one of the 2026 NRL season, fully aware that this chapter could define his legacy in the game.
