Could Canberra’s next captain become the latest star lured into the PNG Chiefs’ ambitious expansion project?
The Raiders are reportedly preparing for further discussions with Hudson Young’s management as they attempt to secure the representative back-rower before rival clubs can formally approach him on November 1.
Young remains contracted to Canberra until the end of 2027, but the 28-year-old will be free to negotiate with other clubs for the 2028 season unless an extension is completed beforehand.
According to Fox Sports’ report, the PNG Chiefs are looming as a potential destination should Young reach the open market.
No formal offer from the Chiefs has been confirmed, but Canberra can no longer dismiss the expansion club’s interest as empty speculation.
Raiders reportedly table major extension
Canberra has reportedly offered Young a three-year extension that could be worth approximately $3 million.
The proposed agreement would begin in 2028 and keep the NSW and Australian representative at the Raiders until the end of the 2030 season.
Neither the Raiders nor Young’s management has publicly confirmed the reported financial terms, meaning the $3 million figure should be treated as reported rather than official.
Young is believed to be earning approximately $650,000 a season under his existing contract, which he signed in 2023. His standing has risen considerably since then, making a substantial increase inevitable whether he stays in Canberra or enters the market.
The Raiders confirmed at the time of his previous extension that Young was secured until the end of 2027.
“This club means everything to me and my family and it’s been home for me since 2017,” Young said in the club’s official announcement.
“I’ve worked really close with Ricky and the coaches and the biggest goal is to win a premiership here at the Raiders.”
Those comments suggest Canberra has an important advantage in negotiations. However, sentiment does not automatically close a potentially significant gap between competing offers.
Young has made his preference clear
Young publicly reiterated his desire to remain with the Raiders earlier this season, leaving negotiations to his agent, Sam Ayoub.
“Yes, 100 per cent,” Young told The Canberra Times when asked whether he wanted to stay.
“What the club have offered me, over the period they’ve turned me into an Australian player and into a New South Wales player, and I love playing for Ricky every week.
“I’m sure they’ll sort all the back-end stuff out.”
Young’s loyalty appears genuine, but the longer the negotiations remain unresolved, the more dangerous the situation becomes for Canberra.
The Chiefs have already demonstrated that they can attract established stars. Their confirmed recruitment drive includes Jarome Luai, Alex Johnston, Connor Watson, Matty Lees and Zac Lomax, while Brian To’o has also agreed to join the expansion club from 2028.
An elite edge forward entering what should still be the prime of his career would be another major building block.
Injury should not destroy Young’s value
Young is currently recovering from a ruptured Achilles suffered during Canberra’s July victory over South Sydney.
The injury ended his 2026 season and ruled him out of the Rugby League World Cup, but the Raiders’ reported offer shows they still view him as central to their future.
Before the injury, Young had made 14 appearances in 2026. The Raiders’ official statistics list him with 155 career games and 59 tries since his NRL debut in 2019.
Canberra coach Ricky Stuart has previously described Young as a possible future captain. Losing him would therefore remove more than a damaging runner and reliable defender—it would cost the Raiders a player they have spent years developing into a leader.
That is why the reported $3 million decision is so complicated.
Paying approximately $1 million a season for a back-rower recovering from a major injury carries obvious risk. Allowing a representative forward and potential future captain to leave at 29 could prove even more damaging.
For now, Canberra remains in control. Young is contracted, has repeatedly expressed his love for the club and appears willing to stay.
But if the Raiders allow the clock to reach November 1 without an agreement, the PNG Chiefs could transform a straightforward retention negotiation into an expensive bidding war.
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