Terry Campese has signed a new two-year deal with the NRL's Canberra Raiders after prolonged negotiations.

The signing means the Raiders have locked in their first grade five-eighth and halfback Todd Carney until the end of 2010.

The Raiders were in the market for former St George Illawarra international Trent Barrett before he signed with Cronulla, sending them back to Campese.

"To sign the deal today is great, it's a two-year deal which is what I wanted and it's good to get it over the line," Campese said.

"It's been on my mind for a few weeks now but I've been trying not to think about it.

"It's hard when it's in the papers, but now it's all done I can focus on footy."

Raiders chief executive officer Don Furner admitted the negotiations were not easy.

"Terry is a local product who has always expressed his desire to stay in Canberra so to have him agree is a great boost for the Raiders and the region."

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