‘New era here at the Raiders’: Kaeo Weekes heads to Canberra

Kaeo Weekes has found a new home in the nation’s capital, with the former Sea Eagle emerging as a genuine option to replace Jack Wighton.

Kaeo Weekes has emerged as Jack Wighton’s possible replacement at the Raiders after the young gun signed a two-year deal to join the Green Machine in 2024.

Wighton’s decision to join the Rabbitohs next season left a gaping hole in the halves for Canberra who were unable to land any established playmakers, but Weekes could be an option for the No.6 jersey after struggling to make an impact at Manly.

The former NSW under-18s representative managed just 12 games across two seasons and dropped down the pecking order with Reuben Garrick and Tolu Koula picked ahead of him when fullback Tom Trbojevic was injured.

His move to the nation’s capital could be just what he needs to get his career going, with the Raiders desperately needing someone with his speed and creativity.

Kaeo Weekes is heading to the Raiders after struggling to make an impact with Manly. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

“I think it’s a great opportunity in front of me and I’m looking forward to moving away from home, knuckling down on footy and getting ready for the next challenge in my career,” Weekes said.

“I can play a few positions, but for me it’s really trying to prove myself and find a place in the team week in, week out. I’m looking to come in with determination to cement a full-time position in the team.

“There are a lot of exciting young players in the squad, but there’s also a mix of really experienced high-level players which I think creates the perfect storm and is a really good mix.

“One thing I know from my experience is when you play the Raiders you can always expect a tough battle and I’m looking forward to being on the other side of that.”

Raiders recruitment manager Joel Carbone says Weekes has a wonderful opportunity to lock down a permanent NRL spot.

“Kaeo is another player in the early stages of his NRL career who we think will fit our transition into the new era here at the Raiders,” Carbone said.

“He has all the athletic tools necessary and seems a very humble and hardworking young man. He’ll have every opportunity to succeed and further his NRL career here by locking down a consistent position in the NRL team.”

The Knights have re-signed Phoenix Crossland following the best year of his career. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images

Meanwhile, the Knights have re-signed hooker Phoenix Crossland until the end of the 2026 season following a breakout year in which he played a key role in their push to the second week of the finals.

Crossland went from a bench utility to starting hooker following a season-ending injury to Jayden Brailey, with the 23-year-old enjoying the best few months of his young career and earning a contract extension.

The decision to re-sign Crossland is an interesting one given Brailey still has two years to run on his contract, with injuries restricting him to just 38 appearances in four seasons since he joined Newcastle.

“We are grateful Phoenix has decided to extend his career at the Knights,” Knights director of football Peter Parr said.

“Phoenix has shown he has all the attributes to be a major contributor to the club’s future success and we are excited about what he can achieve in the coming years.”

And the Bulldogs have re-signed young winger Blake Wilson for a further two seasons after he showed plenty of promise with six tries from 11 games in his rookie year.