THE Canberra Raiders have lost emerging forward Jack Murchie a week out from the NRL's restart as he hunts greater opportunities with an embattled rival.
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Milton-Ulladulla product Murchie has joined the New Zealand Warriors in Terrigal and trained with the squad on Thursday having broke the news of his departure to Raiders coach Ricky Stuart earlier this week.
He links up with the Warriors on a one-year deal before the NRL season resumes as they look to plug a gap left in their forward pack by a raft of injury concerns.
"The Raiders gave me the chance to make my NRL debut and I'm very thankful for that," Murchie told Raiders Media.
"I've been with the club now for a few years and I'm looking forward to a new challenge with the Warriors.
"I've also met some lifelong mates here at the club and thank all of the boys for their support."
New Zealand will resume their campaign against the St George Illawarra Dragons on May 30 at Central Coast Stadium.
The 22-year-old, who won a Group Seven premiership with Gerringong in 2016, has played three NRL games for Canberra but was linked to the Warriors in March having struggled to crack the top grade in the capital.
Playing opportunities could be scarce for players outside the Green Machine's match day squad this season after the NSW Cup was cancelled amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Raiders chief executive Don Furner is exploring a range of options including trials against rival Sydney clubs or the Melbourne Storm to give fringe players game time.
Such an arrangement could see a Raiders second 13 taking on their Storm counterparts when the two clubs lock horns in Melbourne on May 30.
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