By George Clarke and Jasper Bruce in Sydney

CANBERRA have taken their first step towards life after Jack Wighton, signing Kaeo Weekes on a two-year deal, while Newcastle have secured playmaker-turned-hooker Phoenix Crossland until the end of 2026.

Weekes, who joins from Manly, is viewed as an option to fill the void at five-eighth created by Wighton’s exit.

Wighton, who has played his entire 242-game NRL career at Canberra, made the shock decision to leave the Raiders and link up with South Sydney for next season.

Weekes has played at fullback and at No.6 for Manly across 12 games and will compete with rookie Ethan Strange to partner Jamal Fogarty in the halves at Canberra.

“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.”

Newcastle have re-signed Crossland, who firms as the Knights’ bench utility in 2024.

The 23-year-old was parachuted into dummy-half for the majority of 2023 after co-captain Jayden Brailey suffered a season-ending knee injury.

Crossland enjoyed a breakout campaign in his new position as the Knights charged to the second week of the finals.

Coach Adam O’Brien previously told AAP Crossland was likely to fill the void left by the departing ‘Mr Fix-It’ Kurt Mann once Brailey returns to the starting side.

“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,” Newcastle football boss Peter Parr said.

Canterbury announced on Wednesday that rookie winger Blake Wilson had put pen to paper on a contract which runs until the end of 2025.