Canberra star Josh Hodgson has identified the club's trajectory as long-term premiership contenders as the primary factor in re-signing a mammoth five-year deal with the NRL club.
The Raiders waved off any overtures from rival clubs to steal their prize hooker by announcing an extension for Hodgson until the end of the 2022 NRL season.
Hodgson had one more year remaining on his current deal however Raiders boss Don Furner said Hodgson had become a critical member of their squad.
"It's the longest contract we've done for some time and it reflects our faith that we have in Josh of being a leader of this group and how committed to the Raiders he is," Furner said.
"Josh moved to Canberra with his wife and then started a family here, so it's also a great endorsement for our club and city to have him commit long term.
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"From a football perspective Josh brings experience, leadership and professionalism to the team and he's demonstrated over the past three seasons how valuable he is to our organisation."
Hodgson, who will play for England in their Rugby League World Cup quarter-final against Tonga on Saturday, spoke glowingly of the Raiders' long-term future.
He said their ambition for success made it an easy decision to commit to a lengthy deal.
"There's no way I'd sign long term if I didn't believe this group of players were able to achieve great things," he said.
"So a big part of the decision was staying at a club who I believe will have long-term success.
"We know our results last season were not acceptable and I know the group is already back in Canberra working hard to make sure things are better in 2018 and beyond that."
Hodgson was easily the pick of the hookers to come off-contract at the end of next year, a list that includes the likes of Robbie Farah, Jake Friend, Jake Granville and Issac Luke.
Apisai Koroisau and Cameron McInnes also have one season remaining on their contracts.
The Raiders' big-money move comes two weeks after re-signing young gun Nick Cotric, while centre Joey Leilua has been linked with a move to Gold Coast due to a salary cap squeeze.
