'Valuable at any club': Raider linked to move as new 'Mals' revealed

Simi Sasagi was in agony.

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Simi Sasagi won the Mal Meninga Medal despite only having "one arm". Picture Raiders Media, screenshot

But it was a sacrifice he was willing to make to play the final games with his mate and retiring Canberra Raiders great Josh Papali'i.

And if that sacrifice wasn't enough, he doubled down and ended his World Cup dream by having shoulder surgery - so he'd be fit for the start of the Green Machine's 2027 season.

Sasagi suffered a labrum tear in his left shoulder against Penrith in round 10 and missed the next five games rehabilitating it.

He also missed round 24 to give his aching shoulder a rest to be ready for "Papa's" final games.

But missing a third of the season didn't stop the boom centre from winning the Mal Meninga Medal on Tuesday night - because he had such a stunning start to the season.

Sasagi has revealed just how bad his shoulder was.

"It was definitely sore," he said.

"I think I did it in that Penrith game and I missed six weeks.

"My rehab was pretty slow.

"I didn't think it was going to be that severe, but got back six weeks [later].

"Played. Obviously, missed a couple of games at the back end of the season.

"I was just in a lot of pain. I was just battling pain.

"So I got the surgery now.

"I'm a week down, so [it's] put me in the best position to go hopefully injury free next year."

Sasagi praised the Raiders medical team and coach Ricky Stuart, for allowing him to play out the season.

He was initially hoping to play for Samoa at the coming World Cup, which kicks off in Sydney on October 15.

But he's opted to put the Raiders first and be ready for round one next year.

He was also thankful the club had the confidence in him to pick him when he only had "one arm".

"I got a couple of cortisones, obviously to help with the pain," Sasagi said.

"I couldn't fault the medical stuff.

"I'm just grateful that the group of players that we have had confidence in me and, even with one arm, I can still go out there and do what I can do.

"Especially 'Stick'. He gave me an option to have a couple weeks off or play.

"I didn't want to let the boys down, especially Pap's last year.

"I wanted to put my hand up and play the last few games."

Sasagi even labelled having the World Cup-ending surgery as the best decision he's ever made - despite how tough it was to make.

But he'll only be 29 when the next World Cup rolls around.

"It was pretty hard," he said.

"World Cup was obviously one of my goals.

"But just to think how much this club's done for me at some point you've got to put them first.

"I wouldn't be here without them. So thankful.

"I thought I'd regret my decision of getting surgery, putting off a World Cup, but it's the best decision I've ever made.

"I'm just glad this club put me first. It's time to repay that."

The Canberra Raiders' night of nights anointed the crowning of two new "Mals" as speculation swirled about the future of another key player.

Raiders hooker Tom Starling has been linked with Manly after the emergence of Owen Pattie over the final 10 games of the season.

Raiders hooker Tom Starling has been linked with Manly, while Leianne Tufuga and Simi Sasagi, inset, were this year's Mal Meninga Medallists. Pictures by Keegan Carroll, Gary Ramage, Getty Images

Simi Sasagi's 2026 NRL season was so dominant he was able to miss eight games through injury and still be crowned the Mal Meninga Medallist at AIS Arena on Tuesday night.

Similarly, Raiders centre Leianne Tufuga claimed the NRLW Mal Meninga Medal after forming a potent combination with winger Mackenzie Wiki.

The pair's gongs ended Joe Tapine and Simaima Taufa's reign of terror. For now.

Tapine and Taufa have dominated the award, winning it the previous three years.

Raiders captain Tapine went close to making it five in a row though, having also won it in 2022, finishing just two votes behind Sasagi (26 votes).

Sasagi scored seven tries, set up another 11 and led the Raiders for average run metres (174.9m) and post-contact metres (57.6m).

Tufuga scored four tries, set up another six and led the Green Machine for post-contact metres (561m) and tackle busts (44).

Ethan Sanders and Ellie Brander were named rookies of the year, and Ata Mariota and Sheridan Gallagher took home the coaches' awards.

But it's been rumoured the Sea Eagles were interested in luring the 28-year-old away from the capital.

He's got one year to run on his current contract and given the Green Machine has released Jayden Brailey to join Wests Tigers it would be reluctant to let Starling go early as well.

Sasagi won the Mal Meninga Medal despite missing eight games due to injury. Picture by Gary Ramage

That would leave them light on at dummy half, despite Pattie's emergence.

Manly is on the hunt for a hooker after Lachlan Croker's retirement last year and the club is yet to announce Brandon Wakeham's re-signing, despite rumours of a two-year extension in June.

Wakeham's Sea Eagles contract runs out this year.

Former Raiders captain Jarrod Croker wasn't surprised the Sea Eagles were interested in Starling.

"Well, they lost Lachlan Croker and Brandon Wakeham [has] done a good job, but they've been hanging out for a nine," Croker said on SEN League.

"I mean, Owen Pattie, [it's] gonna be hard to get that jersey back off him the way they're going.

"Good person to have around the club, on and off the field, really good fella, Tommy. And a good player.

"So is Owen Pattie. It doesn't surprise me that little bit of gossip.

Tufuga has formed a potent centre-wing partnership with Mackenzie Wiki. Picture Getty Images

"He'd be valuable at any club, Tommy. He's tough as nails."

The Raiders want to meet Young this week, having offered him the richest deal in the club's history - a $3.3 million, three-year extension to keep him in lime green until at least 2030.

They see him as a future captain, but he had his head turned by the Chiefs, who have the advantage of offering tax-free contracts.

But the NRL said they still have to pay market value and at least offer Young $1 million a season.

They originally offered him $900,000 a year, but were willing to go up to $950,000.

MAL MENINGA MEDAL AWARD WINNERS

Meninga Medal (NRL): Simi Sasagi

Meninga Medal (NRLW): Leianne Tufuga

NRL Coaches' Award: Ata Mariota

NRLW Coaches' Award: Sheridan Gallagher

Peter Mulholland Rookie of the Year (NRL): Ethan Sanders

Peter Mulholland Rookie of the Year (NRLW): Ellie Brander

Fred Daly Club Person of the Year: Jason Mathie

NSW Cup Player of the Year: Malachi Smith

Jersey Flegg Player of the Year: Braydan Darmody

NSW Cup Coaches' Award: Mark Tuialii

Jersey Flegg Coaches' Award: Callum Dowell

Gordon McLucas Junior Representative of the Year (NRL): Chaev Kolone

Gordon McLucas Junior Representative of the Year (NRLW): Gabriella Savage

Meninga Medal NRL top five: 26 Simi Sasagi, 24 Joe Tapine, 14 Ethan Sanders, 13 Zac Hosking, 12 Kaeo Weekes.

Meninga Medal NRLW top five: 11 Leianne Tufuga, 9 Sophie Holyman, 8 Zahara Temara, 6 Simaima Taufa, 6 Mackenzie Wiki.

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