The CFMEU Canberra Raiders have received another boost ahead of the 2010 season, with the news that prop Dane Tilse will be in green for two further seasons after extending his contract until the end of 2012.

After arriving in Canberra at the Start of the 2006 season Tilse has become a mainstay of the Raiders forward pack, playing 79 matches since joining the club including every match for the Raiders in 2008 and the last 18 straight games in 2009.

Tilse said he’s made his home in the nation’s capital and said he believed for his personal and career best interests Canberra was the place he wanted to be.

“I love it here in Canberra it’s a great place to live and I feel I’m playing the best footy I can,” Tilse said. “The players we have here and the talent amongst the whole squad shows us that the only way is up from last year and we’re keen to be back into training and it looks promising.”

Tilse said he was happy to have the new deal sorted before he began the upcoming season and he could now concentrate on getting the best form he could in the next few seasons.

“I didn’t want it hanging over my head all season and it’s good to get it out if the way and I can concentrate on my footy,” he said. “I think now that I’ve been here for a few years I can become a leader amongst the team and particularly the forwards and I’m really keen to keep improving my game.”

Like all players Tilse said he was one day hopeful of making a representative side and believed making the Country Origin team in 2010 was a goal he believed he could achieve with a solid start to the season.

“Rep footy is something everyone is looking to try and achieve and I’d love to have the chance to maybe play for Country Origin next year,” he said. “My first priority though is playing well for the Raiders and hopefully we’ll be back in the semis in 2010.”

Raiders CEO Don Furner said the club was ecstatic to have Tilse remain with them for a further two seasons and said he was vital to the clubs plans for the future.

“We spoke to Dane just before he left for his break and to have it done before the season is a sign of confidence from him and we are more than happy to have him here until the end of 2012,” Furner said. “25 is the perfect age for a front rower and with David Shillington and Tom Learoyd-Lahrs we have a solid platform in this position for a number of years.”