As we head into the new year and closer to kick-off for season 2023, our ‘Insider series’ will zoom in on some of the team's coaching and performance staff.
‘Insider’ sat down with assistant coach, David Furner, not long after he joined the club, to learn more about his past, his new role, and the opportunities ahead.
For the younger brigade who might not be aware, the Furner name is just about synonymous with Canberra Raiders.
David’s late father Don was Canberra’s inaugural coach. He coached the Raiders between 1982 and 1986, before guiding the club to its first grand final with co-coach Wayne Bennett in 1987. And David’s brother Don junior, is the Raiders CEO, and has been for many years.
David himself is a household name in Canberra, having played all his 200 NRL games in the lime green jersey. He would also follow in his father’s footsteps, coaching the Raiders from 2009 to 2013.
David was lured to Wests Tigers by head coach Tim Sheens, who also guided him away from rugby union to the Raiders in the early nineties.
Furner played a key role in the team which delivered Sheens a third premiership as coach in 1994.
And what a team it was. Ricky, Laurie, Mal…surnames not required, along with the likes of Bradley Clyde, Brett Mullins, Steve Walters and others.
I was very lucky to play with players who were the best in their positions, like Ricky, Laurie and Mal.”
David Furner
