Canberra have taken the first step towards life after Jack Wighton by confirming the signing of Kaeo Weekes on a two-year deal.

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

Wighton, who has played all of his 242-game NRL career at Canberra, made the shock decision to leave the Raiders earlier this year to link up with South Sydney.

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

“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.

“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.

“I’m looking to come in with determination to cement a full-time position in the team.”

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