After being blown away by the support that they received from the Raiders players at their most recent fight in Canberra, world champion fighters Ben Edwards and Josh Tonna have returned the support by signing up as Raiders Members ahead of the 2015 season.
Becoming a Raiders Member has been a long time coming for Edwards who played Harold Matthews (Under 16's) and SG Ball (Under 18's) alongside Terry Campese, Trevor Thurling and Michael Weyman.
Since switching from league to fighting, Edwards has been crowned world kick boxing champion on three seperate occaisions and is pushing to reach similar heights in the boxing realm.
He was cheered on by the majority of the Raiders NRL squad in his most recent boxing fight against New Zealand's Tafa 'Thumper' Misipati in which he won in a first round knockout.
"I've always been a fan of the Raiders, especially having played juniors with them, but seeing the way in which the boys all got behind me and supported me in my last fight I that thought I'd return the support and get behind them," Edwards said.
"It was a bit of a role reversal seeing them in the crowd after being at GIO Stadium so many times cheering them on. I love fighting at home and to have them there was something special for me."
Similar feelings were shared by the current ISKA K-1 Featherweight World Champion and born and bred Canberran Josh Tonna, who fought as the undercard to Edwards on the night and also successfully defeated his opponent.
"I was overwhelmed with the support I received from them on the weekend of my fight and I just thought it was about time that I gave back to the club," Tonna said.
"I've supported the Raiders all my life and it's probably a little overdue that I sign up as a Member. The club gives so much back to the community and I'm glad that I've now given back to them."
The talented duo each have a major fight coming up in February 2015 and as they are now officially a part of the Raiders Family, it is imperative that we in turn support them.
Edwards is fighting for the Australian boxing title on the 24th whilst Tonna is looking to defend his ISKA K-1 Featherweight World Title on the 27th.
The times and venues are yet to be determined and more information will be made available at: https://www.facebook.com/capitalfights closer to the date.
CLICK HERE to sign up as a Raiders Member just like Edwards and Tonna.