Off-contract at the end of next season, Vaughan said on Tuesday he "wants to play as long as I can here" and hopes a deal can be finalised soon.

It's a further boost to the Raiders, who are also in advanced discussions with in-form centre Jarrod Croker's management on a three-year extension until the end of 2018.

Vaughan, 23, has been one of Canberra's standouts in a disappointing season, and made his representative debut for Country this year.

Melbourne Storm made an aggressive play to sign him two years ago, and it's understood a number of other clubs were monitoring his situation.

But the Gungahlin Bulls junior does not want to leave. His form will be rewarded with an upgraded deal for next season – the final year of his current contract.

"I'm on [contract] for next year and we've talked of an upgrade and extension. Hopefully that can be done pretty soon," he said.

"I've made it clear I want to stay here. I've grown up here and lived here my whole life.

"It's well documented I want to stay and play as long as I can here. Hopefully that gets done."

Vaughan's signing is crucial given experienced props Brett White (retirement) and Tom Learoyd-Lahrs (off-contract) won't be at Canberra next season.

Former Queensland and Australia prop David Shillington is also off-contract after next year, but Vaughan said he and fellow young front-rower Shannon Boyd were ready to step up.

Both were influential in Sunday's ugly 22-12 win against an injury and suspension-ravaged Cronulla, a giant step towards avoiding a first wooden spoon since 1982.

"It was one of those games which was pretty tough. We were expected to win, everyone expected us to blow them off the park in the first 40 [minutes], and that wasn't the case," Vaughan said.

"It's hard playing games you're expected to win because there's more pressure on you, which hasn't been the case a lot for us this year."

Canberra's next challenge is attempting to secure two straight victories for the first time this year against the slumping Wests Tigers at Canberra Stadium on Saturday.

The Tigers are dealing with injuries and internal turmoil, and the Raiders will again start favourites.

"We haven't had back-to-back wins this year, it's something we're always talking about," Vaughan said.

Canberra will field one of the youngest teams in the NRL this year, with skipper Terry Campese battling to keep his spot after he was demoted to NSW Cup last week.

But Vaughan said a potential lack of experience was not a problem.

"I think it's exciting. It is a young team and we can only move forward," Vaughan said.

"Jarrod Croker is only young but he's already played nearly 150 games. He's a good leader and there are a couple of others who are as well.

"Crokes is unreal; when he talks, everyone listens. I think he'll be a future captain down the road.

"And [Shaun] Fensom as well, it's unfortunate he's injured but he plays a big part in our team."

SATURDAY

NRL round 25: Canberra Raiders v Wests Tigers at Canberra Stadium, 5.30pm

Tickets available from Ticketek