21-year-old backline talent **Kaeo Weekes**, a dynamic playmaker who debuted with Manly in 2022 and showed flashes of brilliance. Over three seasons in the NRL, he played 42 games, scored 12 tries, and kicked 8 goals ([en.wikipedia.org][1]).
**The Decision:** Despite being nurtured by the Sea Eagles system, Weekes signed a two-year deal with the Raiders, starting in 2024. This move raised eyebrows as Manly had hoped to hold on to the young prospect .
**Why It Matters:**
* Canberra saw high potential in Weekes, valuing his versatility across fullback, wing, and halves.
* Weekes reportedly felt Canberra offered a clearer path to consistent NRL opportunities, especially amid tough competition at Manly ([en.wikipedia.org][1]).
* Manly’s midfield depth made Weekes a strategic recruit for the Raiders — a smart move in their youth-driven rebuild.
**Reaction:**
* Weekes expressed excitement about joining Canberra and relished the chance to “knuckle down on footy” ([reddit.com][2]).
* Fans on r/nrl weighed in:
> “The Canberra Raiders have signed exciting young backline player Kaeo Weekes… I’m looking forward to moving away from home.” ([reddit.com][2])
**Impact:**
* Weekes has since become a regular contributor, injecting youth and unpredictability into Canberra’s spine.
* His arrival also underscores Canberra’s growing strategy of attracting promising talent from rival clubs.
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**Bottom line (≈ 200 words):**
Kaeo Weekes’ move from Manly to Canberra is the standout recruitment of the year. Opting for the Raiders’ pathway over what might have been a crowded Sea Eagles roster, Weekes has already started making an impact. Canberra’s ability to secure young talent like him marks a smart pivot in their long-term rebuild—and gives Weekes a prime platform to accelerate his career.
