Canberra have re-signed rising star Joel Thompson on the eve of their NRL qualifying final against Penrith.

Off contract at the end of next year, Thompson has agreed to a two-year extension which will keep him at the Raiders until the end of 2013.

The 22-year-old centre or backrower's season, which included an appearance for the Indigenous All Stars and being named 18th man for NSW Country, was ended prematurely by a groin injury.

Thompson was a member of the talented 2008 Toyota Cup premiership-winning Raiders side which also included Josh Dugan, Jarrod Croker, Travis Waddell, Shaun Fensom, Daniel Vidot and Michael Picker.

"We've got a great bunch of blokes here at the club and we all love playing together and there's a feeling we can have plenty of success if we all stay together," Thompson said.

"I didn't really want to go anywhere.

"Obviously we had that team back in 2008 which won the competition and we've all decided to stay here and try and win one at NRL level now."

Meanwhile, Canberra's opponents the Panthers also announced extensions for young prop Sam McKendry and forward Joseph Paulo.

McKendry's deal will keep him at the club until the end of 2015.

"Sam is a player who is becoming more and more noticed," Penrith chief executive Michael Leary said.

"It was important to us to keep him at the club long-term."

Local junior Paulo has signed for the 2011 and 2012 seasons.

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