Canberra Raiders add rising Wigan star Harry Rushton for 2021 and beyond

The Canberra Raiders have officially announced the signing of Wigan prospect Harry Rushton to a three-year deal from 2021.

The signing is a huge boost amid a tough period for the club with a raft of star players suffering season-ending injuries in a crisis few can fathom.

Rushton will join the Raiders' top 30 squad ahead of the 2021 pre-season campaign.

"Harry is one of the most promising young back-rowers in the United Kingdom," Raiders recruitment manager Peter Mulholland said.

"We've had a lot of success with the Englishmen that we've brought over and Harry is another player who we see as having a lot of potential and who will fit in with our organisation.

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"By the end of his first pre-season we'll be looking to get him into our under 20's team so he can get some experience and work his way through our pathway system."

Rushton will become the Green Machine's fifth UK import when he touches down in Canberra to join Josh Hodgson, Elliott Whitehead, Ryan Sutton and George Williams in the capital. John Bateman is heading the other way as he prepares to return to Wigan.

"It's a big move and a life-change but I didn't have to think about it for too long," Rushton told the Blackpool Gazette.

"Their coach Ricky Stuart is a legend of the game I have always admired. I know the coaching will be top-standard, and the playing standard is great as well.

"I'll be able to learn from experienced internationals so it can only help my career."