Off field skills Canberra Raiders young gun Kaeo Weekes working on in 2024, SuperCoach NRL
He’s a rising star with great moves he hopes will help solidify him a spot as a regular starter for the Raiders. But there’s a few skills off the pitch Kaeo Weekes knows he needs to work on - fast.
SuperCoach
Don't miss out on the headlines from SuperCoach. Followed categories will be added to My News.
He’s a young talent with silky skills and great moves he hopes will solidify him a spot as a regular starter for the Canberra Raiders but there’s a few tricks off the pitch Kaeo Weekes needs to work on.
Weekes is right at home on the paddock but admits he has struggled a tad when it comes to living away from home for the first time after relocating from the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles and his Hornsby family home to play with the Raiders.
And while he’s embracing the challenge on the field, he admits he’s got plenty to learn off it on the domestic front.
Weekes has been unable to navigate himself around a washing machine and admits his needs to expand his cooking repertoire.
“I know how to do steak and sweet potato. I pretty much eat it every night now. I think I might need to widen my range,” he said. “And do my washing. I don’t know how to use the machine.
“I wish I’d learned to do a few more things when I was at home now.”
Weekes, who is close to his family which includes rugby league playing younger sisters Krystal and Grace Lee, said he still gets a little homesick but knows his family are “just an phone call away.
“I am just so excited to be here,” said Weekes who grew up at Hornsby and started playing rugby league at four and then union in his early teens. His long-term partner is Australian Rugby Sevens gun Madison Ashby.
“It’s a great opportunity we have at the Canberra Raiders.
“I want to cement a full-time spot in first grade. That’s my aim.’’
Weekes said he opted to pursue a career in the NRL over union “because it fitted me better’’ and because of a strong association to the code via his grandfather.
“I grew up knowing a lot more about rugby league than union. I think I was always a leaguey at heart,’’ he said.
“I just love the adrenaline and passion of the game.
“Growing up my favourite team was the Dragons because my pop, Geoff Weekes, played for them. He played for Country as well. He’s an old bush head from Goulburn.’’
With the season looming, Weekes said the majority of his time is dedicated to training, with his chief goal to be more consistent.
“I don't do too much else,’’ he said.
“I recover from training, I like to watch movies, go to the gym or shopping when the bank allows it.
“The main thing for me is to be around people I care about and my family.
“I do get a bit homesick. It’s the first time I’ve moved away from home.
“I’ve been driving up every weekend missing them but now the season is starting I won’t be able to do that. But I know they are only a phone call away.’’
Weekes said he is counting down the days to trial matches and round one of the NRL.
“I am quite excited. Ricky (Stuart, coach) has put a lot of confidence in me to do what I can do,’’ he said.
“I feel I am playing some good footy. I just can’t wait to get the season underway and see what happens.’’
More from AMANDA LULHAM HERE
More Coverage
Originally published as Off field skills Canberra Raiders young gun Kaeo Weekes working on in 2024, SuperCoach NRL
$50K richer: SuperCoach champ’s first expense is shouting Kyle Flanagan
SuperCoach winner Blake Gentle is a groomsman at the wedding of Dragons five-eighth Kyle Flanagan and he knows exactly how he’ll have to spend the first part of his $50,000 winnings.
‘We’ve got to deliver’: No excuses as Sharks ready for finals charge
Craig Fitzgibbon knows few are giving his Sharks much hope in a week one NRL finals match-up with Melbourne, but the Cronulla coach is relishing the opportunity.