There aren’t many 22-year-olds who go from a SuperLeague stint to becoming one of the first names on an NRL team sheet, but Kaeo Weekes has done exactly that in Canberra. After a breakout 2025 season that had him starring at fullback, Weekes secured his future with the Raiders until 2029, and this dossier breaks down what’s confirmed about his nationality, his salary, and just how far he’s come since leaving Manly.
Nationality: Australian (New Zealand-eligible) ·
Age: 24 (born 6 February 2002) ·
Position: Fullback / Halfback ·
Current Team: Canberra Raiders ·
Contract Until: 2029
Quick Snapshot
- Born 6 February 2002 in Sydney, Australia (Wikipedia)
- Signed with Canberra Raiders until at least the end of 2025 (Canberra Raiders)
- Raiders announced on 24 September 2024 contract extension until end of 2027 (Canberra Raiders)
- Scored 11 tries and averaged 157 running metres in 2025 (Canberra Raiders profile)
- Exact salary figures are not officially disclosed
- Specific ethnic heritage details beyond his Maori/Pacific Islander background are not widely detailed
- Impact of his contract extension on the Raiders’ salary cap is not public
- Whether Weekes will ultimately represent New Zealand is not yet confirmed
- Signed first Raiders deal in 2024 (Canberra Raiders)
- Extended further until 2027 and 2029 (Sporting News)
- Long-term commitment to 2029 announced by the Raiders on 25 July 2025 (Canberra Raiders)
- Weekes has an opportunity to establish himself as one of the NRL’s premier fullbacks
- Long-term deal provides security and the possibility of a representative call-up
- The 2029 season is the current end point of his Raiders contract
Kaeo Weekes: Key Facts at a Glance
His rise from a reserve grade player to an NRL regular is one of the more compelling stories of the 2025 season, and these are the verified numbers behind the rise.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kaeo Weekes |
| Date of Birth | 6 February 2002 |
| Place of Birth | Sydney, New South Wales, Australia |
| Nationality | Australian (New Zealand-eligible) |
| Height | 182 cm (6 ft 0 in) |
| Weight | 90 kg |
| Position | Fullback / Halfback |
| Current Club | Canberra Raiders |
| Contract | Until end of 2029 season |
| NRL Debut | 2024 (for Manly Sea Eagles) |
| Junior Club | Manly Warringah Sea Eagles (pathway) |
These figures combine official club data with verified biographical records.
What nationality is Kaeo Weekes?
The question of Kaeo Weekes’s nationality is actually more layered than a simple answer because he has dual eligibility. Weekes was born in Australia, which makes him Australian by birth, but his heritage qualifies him to represent New Zealand on the international stage.
What is Kaeo Weekes’s ethnic background?
Weekes is of Maori descent through his family, which gives him a direct link to New Zealand. This heritage is the key that unlocks his eligibility for the Kiwis, and it’s a path that several players from similar backgrounds have taken in recent years.
Does Kaeo Weekes have Maori or Pacific Islander heritage?
Yes, his Maori background is a central part of his identity and a significant factor in his representative eligibility. While specific details about his iwi (tribe) or hapu are not widely publicized, the connection to New Zealand through his family is well established.
The implication: Weekes’s representative future remains one of the most open questions in the NRL, with both nations watching his form.
How much do Kaeo Weekes get paid?
Player salaries in the NRL are often kept close to the chest. However, the structure of Kaeo Weekes’s contract extension gives us a clear picture of his value to the Raiders.
What is Kaeo Weekes’s contract value?
The Canberra Raiders announced on 25 July 2025 that Weekes had re-signed with the club until the end of the 2029 season. The club’s earlier announcement confirmed he was already under contract until 2027, meaning this new deal locks in his future for the long term.
The Sporting News reported that this extension was a result of his “stellar” 2025 season, and it solidifies his standing as a key piece of the Raiders’ future. While the exact dollar amount hasn’t been made public, a contract of this length and commitment typically places a player in the middle-to-high salary echelon for a club.
How does his salary compare to other NRL players?
Given that fullbacks are among the highest-paid players in the game, and with Weekes being a long-term starter in that position for a club that sees him as crucial, his contract is likely competitive with his peers. However, without official figures, it is impossible to definitively rank his salary against the top earners. The length of the deal (until 2029) suggests a significant investment by the club.
A long-term deal is a two-way street. For the Raiders, it secures their fullback of the future, but for Weekes, it ties him to the club during a period when he could potentially command more on the open market if his form continues to rise.
What this means: Weekes’s contract is a bet on sustained performance, not a payday for past work alone.
Can Kaeo Weekes play for the kiwis?
Yes, Kaeo Weekes is eligible to play for the New Zealand Kiwis, but he hasn’t yet. This is one of the most intriguing aspects of his career, as his form in the NRL makes him a strong candidate for selection.
What are the eligibility rules for the New Zealand national team?
International rugby league eligibility is determined by heritage, with players allowed to represent the nation of their birth, their parents’ birth, or their grandparents’ birth. Weekes’s Maori heritage makes him eligible for the Kiwis, and he has not yet played for Australia, so he remains free to choose.
Has Kaeo Weekes represented any national team yet?
As of now, Weekes has not yet been selected for any senior national team. This leaves the door open for a future call-up for the Kiwis, and given his trajectory, it’s a matter of “when,” not “if,” he gets that opportunity.
The pattern: New Zealand’s depth at fullback will only increase if Weekes commits to the Kiwis, putting pressure on incumbents.
What is Kaeo Weekes doing now?
Right now, Kaeo Weekes is cementing his place as a linchpin for the Canberra Raiders, with his contract extension reflecting the club’s long-term vision.
What is Kaeo Weekes’s current role at the Canberra Raiders?
Weekes is the starting fullback for the Raiders. He had a stellar 2025 season, scoring 11 tries and averaging 157 running metres per game, according to his official club profile. He is considered one of the most promising young players in the NRL.
What are his recent performances?
His extension was announced on 25 July 2025, with the Raiders noting he was “looking to keep up the form from his stellar 2025 season.” This followed a move from the Manly Sea Eagles, and he has since made the fullback position his own.
For Raiders fans, Weekes is not just a flashy player; he’s the future. His commitment until 2029 is a clear signal that the club has built its attacking spine around him, and his performances are the benchmark for the team’s success.
The implication: Weekes’s development is now directly tied to Canberra’s premiership hopes over the next four seasons.
Kaeo Weekes’s Career Timeline
Here’s a breakdown of how Kaeo Weekes got to where he is today.
- 6 February 2002: Born in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia (Wikipedia).
- 2023: Transferred from the Manly Sea Eagles, where he had been in their system (Sporting News).
- 2024: Made his NRL debut and signed a contract extension that kept him at the Raiders until the end of 2027 (Canberra Raiders).
- 2025: Had a breakout season, scoring 11 tries. In July, he signed a long-term extension until the end of 2029, following reports of interest from other clubs (Canberra Raiders).
This timeline shows a rapid ascent from reserve-grade to franchise cornerstone in just over two years.
Clarity Check: What is Confirmed and What’s Still Unclear
It’s helpful to separate the verified facts from the speculation, especially when it comes to contract details and personal life.
Confirmed Facts About Kaeo Weekes
- Born 6 February 2002 in Sydney, Australia (Wikipedia).
- Stands at 182 cm and weighs 90 kg (Wikipedia).
- Plays fullback or halfback for the Canberra Raiders (Wikipedia).
- Signed a contract extension with the Raiders until the end of the 2029 season (Canberra Raiders).
What Remains Unclear
- The exact monetary value of his contract is not being disclosed.
- Details on his personal life, such as relationships or family specifics, are kept private.
- The full extent of his Maori heritage and iwi affiliations are not widely publicized.
This distinction helps set realistic expectations when reading future reports.
What Others Are Saying About Kaeo Weekes
The announcement of his contract extension drew praise from the club and media, highlighting his emergence as a star.
“Weekes: As soon as I saw that contract I jumped at it.”
Kaeo Weekes, speaking to the Canberra Raiders
“It’s scary to think how time flies, but it’s exciting to see what we’re building here.”
Kaeo Weekes, on the Raiders’ future, as reported by NITV
“Looking to keep up the form from his stellar 2025 season, Weekes signed a long-term contract extension that will see him remain in the nation’s capital until at least the end of 2029.”
Canberra Raiders Official Statement
Kaeo Weekes’s 2025 NRL Season Stats
Weekes’s 2025 season wasn’t just good; it was statistically elite, placing him among the competition’s best fullbacks.
| Statistic | 2025 Season Total |
|---|---|
| Tries | 11 |
| Tries Assists | 7 |
| Average Running Metres per Game | 157 |
| Tackle Breaks | Data not public |
| Line Breaks | Data not public |
These numbers, sourced from his official club profile, show a player who is a constant threat with the ball. His ability to churn out 157 metres per game places him in the top tier of fullbacks, combining both early-down power and late-game impact.
The pattern here is of a playmaker who doesn’t just create for others but also demands attention himself, a dual threat that makes him a nightmare for defensive lines and a cornerstone for the Raiders’ attack.
Kaeo Weekes: Salary and Contract Timeline
The financial commitment the Raiders have made to Weekes is a strong indicator of how highly they rate him. Here’s how the contract drama played out.
| Date | Event | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Contract Extension | Signed extension until end of 2027, per club announcement (Tier 1). | |
| Reports of New Deal | Zero Tackle reports the Raiders are moving to extend his deal until at least 2029. | |
| Contract Extension Official | Canberra Raiders announce new deal until end of 2029, calling his 2025 “stellar.” | |
| Player Quote | Weekes says he “jumped at it” in a club feature. | |
| Media Coverage | NITV reports on the signing, quoting Weekes on the future. |
The speed of the negotiations is telling. A new deal was announced just 14 days after reports emerged, suggesting the club had already done their due diligence and saw Weekes as a non-negotiable piece of their future.
How Many NRL Players Are From New Zealand?
Kaeo Weekes is part of a larger trend in rugby league, where New Zealand’s influence on the NRL is massive. He represents a new wave of players who bring Pacific and Maori heritage to the forefront of the game.
What is the proportion of New Zealand-born players in the NRL?
While the Raiders’ official profile and Wikipedia highlight his specific case, it’s widely acknowledged that a significant portion of NRL players are of New Zealand or Pacific Islander descent. This heritage brings a unique physicality and style to the competition.
How does that compare to other nations?
The pipeline from New Zealand to the NRL is among the strongest in the world for rugby league. This demographic strength means that players like Weekes, who are eligible for the Kiwis, are under constant scrutiny for representative selection.
For the New Zealand Rugby League, a player like Kaeo Weekes is a massive win. He’s a home-grown talent in terms of heritage, developed in the Australian system, and will almost certainly be a Kiwi for a decade. This is the cycle that keeps the Kiwis competitive on the world stage.
The implication: Weekes’s eventual choice could shift the balance of power in international rugby league.
sportingnews.com, raiders.com.au, zerotackle.com, raiders.com.au, raidercast.com.au
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve covered a lot of ground, and you might still have some burning questions about this rising star. Here are the facts.
What is Kaeo Weekes’s date of birth and age?
He was born on 6 February 2002, which makes him 23 years old.
What position does Kaeo Weekes play?
He primarily plays fullback, though he can also operate as a halfback. He has been used in both roles for the Raiders.
How long is Kaeo Weekes’s contract with the Raiders?
He has signed a long-term deal that keeps him at the club until the end of the 2029 NRL season, as announced on 25 July 2025.
Where did Kaeo Weekes play before joining the Raiders?
He was with the Manly Sea Eagles before joining the Raiders. He played for their NRL side before transferring to Canberra.
Who are Kaeo Weekes’s parents?
While his parents’ names aren’t featured in the provided sources, his Maori heritage points to roots in New Zealand. His specific family details are not widely published.
These answers are drawn from verified club and player profiles.
Related Reading
Want to keep up with the world of rugby league? Here are some more stories from our network.
- Jordan Riki: Ethnicity, Career, Family and Net Worth
- Mele Hufanga: Biography, Nationality & NRLW Career
Final Verdict: What Kaeo Weekes’s Deal Really Means
Forget the headlines about “potential” and “promise.” Kaeo Weekes’s deal is a statement of intent from a club that believes it has found its next franchise player. The money and security are a reward for past performance, but they’re also a bet on his future trajectory. The NRL, for all its parity, is a league built on star fullbacks, and the Raiders have now locked one in for the next four years. For rival clubs, the message is clear: the chance to prise him away is gone. For the Raiders and their fans, the message is one of hope, that the years of watching other teams hoard top talent are over. The implications for Kaeo Weekes are simple: the pressure is now on to back up his breakout season with consistency.
For the Raiders, the decision is made: they have their number one.
James Mitchell is Editor-in-Chief at Australian News Desk, overseeing editorial standards, publication decisions and corrections.