The Canberra Raiders have signed exciting young backline player Kaeo Weekes on a two-year deal from the commencement of the 2024 season.
Weekes, 21, has played 12 NRL matches for the Manly Sea Eagles since making his debut in 2022 and plays predominantly in the halves or at fullback.
He will join the club for the commencement of the pre-season in November and said he’s ready to take his career to the next level.
“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.
Weekes has versatility in his game and can play a number of positions and said his focus when he arrives in Canberra will be making sure he’s putting the work in to give himself the best opportunity to play at NRL level.
“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,” he said. “I’m looking to come in with determination to cement a full-time position in the team.”
Weekes said he’s excited about joining the Raiders in Canberra and knew what would be expected of him amongst the current squad.
“There’s 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,” he said.
“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 NRL Recruitment Manager Joel Carbone said Weekes would be a welcome addition to the squad and looked forward to him joining the club for pre-season.
“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 hard-working 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.”
