And fullback Jack Wighton has given the strongest indication yet he will re-sign with the club despite the Raiders missing finals for a third straight season.

Waqa's manager George Christodoulou requested a release, but the Fijian insisted he only heard about the request through the media.

The former Melbourne Storm player opened up about his gambling issues just before joining the Raiders this year.

"I signed a two year deal so I'm locked in for next year," he said on Tuesday at the launch of Touch Football Australia's 'It All Starts Here' campaign.

"There's always talk about myself going back to rugby, obviously I'm from rugby union but at this stage I'm not going anywhere.

"I only heard what the media said the other day. The important thing is to work for the club and work with the people who look after me, that's what I'm doing at the moment.

"It's something we're trying to build here and look after each other, I'm staying and not going anywhere."

Wighton is off contract at the end of next year and the Raiders are keen to step up talks to lock him into a long-term deal once the season is finished.

Asked if he hopes to stay long term, Wighton said: "Definitely, it's a great club.

"It's where I love, where I got my first opportunity and where I feel comfortable.

"I've found a home [at fullback] and found my feet a little bit."

While Waqa and Wighton are keen to stick around, the Raiders have confirmed at least six players will depart the club at the end of the year.

David Shillington, Mitch Cornish, Mark Nicholls and Kyle O'Donnell are the players with first grade experience to be farewelled at this Monday's final home game against Penrith, while youngsters Jack Ahearn and Mitch Cronin will also leave.

The Raiders are desperate to arrest a four game losing streak which has seem them plummet from a potential finals bolter to an outside chance of the wooden spoon.

Last week's meek 28-12 loss to struggling Gold Coast was probably their worst of the season.

"We'll come in strong this weekend, we were very disappointed with the way we went up to Gold Coast and performed," Wighton said.

"I can't pinpoint why we played so bad, we didn't turn up.

"It's not good enough but this year's been a lot more positive for us and the fans.

"[But] it's definitely not good enough and we've got to stay strong the last two games, and come in hard next year."

The players have discussed sending Titans-bound Shillington out a winner as he draws the curtain on seven years at Canberra.

"Shillo's definitely a massive loss to our team and going ahead without him is massive shoes to fill," back rower Josh Papalii said.

"He does a lot off the field as well, mentoring the boys."

The Raiders are scouring the market for a prop after parting ways with a number of props, including Shillington, Dane Tilse (Hull KR), Nicholls, O'Donnell and Luke Page.

Youngster Tevita Pangai is highly rated and may get his chance next year.

In the only team change for the Panthers, Brenko Lee will replace the suspended Joey Leilua (shoulder charge) at right centre in his first NRL game for the year after scoring a hat trick in NSW Cup last week.

It will be the first time he and cousin Edrick will feature in the same Raiders first grade side.

MONDAY

NRL round 25: Canberra Raiders v Penrith Panthers at Canberra Stadium, 7pm

Tickets available from Ticketek

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