The Raiders have received a huge boost ahead of their first home match of the season, with Shaun Fensom agreeing to a new three year deal that will keep him at the club until the end of the 2017 season.
Fensom is a two time winner of the Meninga Medal (2011, 2012) which is awarded to the best player each season for the Raiders and has been an instrumental part of the Raiders team since he made his debut in 2009 after captaining the Raiders NYC team to a premiership in 2008.
Fensom said he’s thrilled to be remaining in Canberra where his career began and said he can now concentrate on performing each week for the Raiders.
“It’s a lot of pressure off me now and I can just concentrate on playing football. It’s good that my future is secured here until the end of 2017 at the club I love playing for,” Fensom said. “We’ve got a really good core of players here and we are building towards something special and I wanted to be a part of that and that’s why I’ve re-signed.”
Revered as a leader by his peers, Fensom said he is looking forward to working on his leadership skills now he is at the club long team and is happy to take on any role Coach Ricky Stuart has for him.
“We’re a young side with some good experience and I’ve got the close age gap between the two groups and I get along with everyone, so I really enjoy being part of this team,” he said. “It’s good to be a leader on and off the field and I’m happy just to get out there and play football each week.”
Off the field, Fensom continues to use the same work ethic he takes into his football each week and is currently working through a building Apprenticeship.
Fensom said the opportunity to plan for a career after football is something he always wanted to pursue and said he can now work towards completing his apprenticeship while in Canberra.
“You have to plan for the future and I really enjoy my time on the tools learning about becoming a builder and preparing for my career after football,” he said.
Raiders Football Manager John Bonasera said the re-signing of Fensom was a huge positive for the club and said his work ethic was an example for other players to look to.
“Shaun is one of the most committed and hardworking players in the club and the Raiders are delighted to have him stay on-board for a further three seasons,” Bonasera said. “He continues to set the example on and off the field and with players like Shaun staying at the club the future is bright for the Raiders.”
