'Mates for life': Raiders' run of success more than trophies

A strong culture of enjoying footy with mates has created a successful journey for young Moreton Bay Raiders players - and it's not just about premierships.

While the same group locked in their fourth straight grand final win in 2024 - by taking out the Rugby League Brisbane under 19 competition - having so many players stick with the club is just about as satisfying for club president Larry Dickson.

Many players in those four years have gone on to opportunities in NRL pathways, but they haven't forgotten where they come from - they were among the loudest fans when the Raiders completed a 42-20 win in the big dance.

Ten of the players who participated had been involved at the club since before the four-peat began.

Dickson, also the coach of the team from under 6s, said he was proud to see his side, led by captain Will Nati who has been with the club also since under 6s, continuing their on-field success and having that desire to be a Raider beyond junior rugby league.

"It was really good to see (the win), because the team has evolved and it keeps evolving," he said.

"Because of the success, boys go on to bigger and better things, but as it evolves the people who come in buy into the culture and nothing really changes, the machine just keeps going.

"They all still want to be a Raider, and that's the biggest thing, and even the boys that have gone to NRL clubs, on grand final day they make the effort to be back there in their Raiders gear supporting their mates, and that was awesome for me to see... it makes you proud of what's been created.

"What we've put in there is we can teach the skills and all that sort of stuff, but the belief and the brotherhood that's there, that's what creates success."

Those who have graduated from the team include the likes of 2023 Queensland Country under 17 captain, Zac Herdegen, Charlie Dickson, Mereki Warrado, and Maddox Goodwin, and there could be more to come.

"There's still a lot of good players there, they will press on in the near future for higher honours, there's no doubt in my mind," coach Dickson said.

"To keep them playing, that was a battle for a few years, to keep them interested, and when some kids see other kids getting this, that and the other with rep honours, for those other kids who aren't ready yet, for them to keep playing is massive.

"That's the nucleus of what has made us great, it's not those players who have gone on to bigger and better things, it was those guys who are still there, the glue that held us together.

"It's built on trust and respect among each other. The boys genuinely really like each other and they'll be mates for life, and that's probably the thing I'm most proud of."

Main image: Moreton Bay Raiders players celebrating the 2024 premiership after winning the grand final this year at Logan Metro Sports Complex.