<?xml version="1.0" encoding="ISO-8859-1"?> <docID>329626</docID> <postdate>2024-09-24 13:13:25</postdate> <headline>Raiders lock down speedster Weekes for two more years</headline> <body><p><img class="size-full wp-image-329627" src="https://citynews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/20240629144107521012-original-resized.jpg" alt="" width="900" height="600" /></p> <caption>Kaeo Weekes has re-signed with the Raiders, keeping him in the capital for three more seasons. (Joel Carrett/AAP PHOTOS)</caption> <p><span class="kicker-line">By <strong>Jasper Bruce</strong></span></p> <p><strong>Kaeo Weekes has signed a new two-year deal at Canberra as reward for his breakout NRL season.</strong></p> <p>Weekes now holds a contract through 2027 and looms as the Raiders' likely fullback for round one next season following Jordan Rapana's move to the Super League.</p> <p>Weekes has played 17 games for Canberra since moving from Manly this season and received the coaches' award at the club's awards night last week.</p> <p>A fullback coming through the grades, Weekes can also play in the halves in a pinch having helped the Raiders remain in the hunt for the 2024 finals by starting at halfback during Jamal Fogarty's biceps injury.</p> <p>Canberra ultimately finished ninth with a 50 per cent win-loss record, missing the finals on for-and-against.</p> <p>Weekes recorded nine try assists and ran for an average of 121 metres this year.</p> <p>"I want to thank the club for giving me the opportunity to come down to Canberra," Weekes said.</p> <p>"It was a big step to move down here away from my partner and family to chase my dream, but I'm so grateful I came.</p> <p>"It's been a really enjoyable first year for me, I love this club and what they're building for the future and I'm looking forward to building on what I've started over the next few years."</p> <p>Regular first-graders Xavier Savage, Tom Starling, Simi Sasagi and Albert Hopoate are without deals beyond 2025 so can negotiate with rivals for 2026 from November.</p> </body>