Meanwhile, playmaker Dean Hawkins is headed for the Eels on a two-year deal through to the end of 2026.

Hawkins made his NRL debut with Souths in 2021 and went on to play 14 games in Rabbitohs colours. He also steered the club to the 2023 NSW Cup title.

“Dean is a talented player who adds depth to our backline. We look forward to welcoming him to our Club in a few weeks to commence pre-season training with our NRL squad,” said Eels GM of football Mark O’Neill.

The Raiders have extended the contract of Kaeo Weekes until the end of the 2027 season.

In his first season with the club, Weekes played 17 matches for the club, showing his versatility and skill in both the halves and at fullback.

“I want to thank the club for giving me the opportunity to come down to Canberra. 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,” Weekes said.

“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.”

Elsewhere, the Rabbitohs have extended the contracts of prop Shaquai Mitchell and back-rower Ben Lovett until the end of the 2025 season.

Mitchell has played 20 NRL games since making his debut for the Rabbitohs against the Sea Eagles in 2022 and has also represented the Indigenous All Stars on three occasions.

“Shaq has worked incredibly hard to get to where he has in his career so far,” said Rabbitohs head of football Mark Ellison..

“He is very skilful for a big man and he will play an important role in our team over the coming seasons.”

Lovett, meanwhile, has played three NRL games since making his debut against Manly in Round 4 of the 2023 season.

This comes on the back of the Bunnies throwing a lifeline to former Sea Eagles utility Josh Schuster for next season on a one-year contract.

“We think a comeback to the NRL with our club will be just what Josh needs to get his career back on track,” Ellison said.

“We’re confident that he can use this second opportunity at NRL level, at a new club with new coaches, new teammates and renewed expectations, to resume his NRL career and achieve his and the team’s goals.”

All Blacks Rugby 7s star Moses Leo will join Melbourne Storm’s NRL squad from the 2026 season after signing a two-year contract.

Leo, who represented New Zealand at the recent Paris Olympic Games, has been identified by Storm’s recruitment team as a player who can fill a number of outside back positions, including wing, centre and fullback.

The Eels have extended the contracts of Charlie Guymer, Saxon Pryke and Richard Penisini for two years until the end of the 2026 season.

All three players were members of the SG Ball premiership team in 2023 and have been rewarded with contract extensions for the development squad in 2025 with Guymer and Penisini moving into the Top 30 in 2026.

Guymer played two NRL games in 2024, making his debut off the bench in Round 18 against Souths before lining up at lock a week later against the Titans.

“Charlie has wonderful leadership qualities and the characteristics you want in a player both on and off the field. We have no doubt he will thrive during pre-season training and be ready to play more NRL games next year,” said Eels general manager of football Mark O’Neill.

National Schoolboy Cup winners Sam Stephenson and Zane Harrison have been rewarded for leading Palm Beach Currumbin to victory in last week’s final with development contracts at the Gold Coast Titans.

The pair have long been in the club’s system and trained with the first-grade side last pre-season and will take a major step towards NRL debuts when they join the squad on a full-time basis.