NRL

Canberra has made a massive move to keep Hudson Young out of the hands of the PNG Chiefs, reportedly offering the representative forward a three-year deal worth $3.3 million according to CODE Sports.

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The extraordinary contract would see Young earn around $1.1 million per season and reportedly become the highest-paid player in the Raiders’ 44-year history.

It represents a huge statement from Canberra about just how highly the club values the 28-year-old as speculation around a potential move to the Chiefs continues to grow.

Young remains contracted through 2027 but can negotiate with rival clubs from November 1, leaving Canberra determined to settle his future before he reaches the open market.

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Canberra CEO Don Furner has made the club’s position clear, declaring the Raiders will do everything possible to retain Young and describing him as an important part of the club’s future leadership.

“We are going to do everything we can to keep Hudson, he is a very, very important part of our club and he’s a future leader.” Furner stated.

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The massive numbers involved underline how difficult the Chiefs’ arrival is making retention decisions for existing NRL clubs, particularly when PNG’s unique financial advantages allow it to compete aggressively for established stars.

(Getty Images)

Getty Images

Young would represent another enormous acquisition for the expansion franchise after it already secured the likes of Jarome Luai, Brian To’o, Zac Lomax and Alex Johnston ahead of its inaugural 2028 season.

The Raiders star would also fit the profile of player PNG has aggressively targeted, having established himself as one of the competition’s premier edge forwards while earning representative honours for both New South Wales and Australia.

The reported offer follows weeks of negotiations between the two parties and dramatically raises the stakes surrounding Young’s future before he becomes eligible to officially negotiate elsewhere.

Canberra has now put potentially the richest contract in its history on the table, but whether even $3.3 million is enough to prevent the Chiefs from tempting Young away could become one of the biggest recruitment battles heading towards 2027.

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