Chiefs $3.3 million waiting game: PNG’s plan to snag NRL enforcer

Raiders star backrower Hudson Young in action *(Image: Supplied)*

PNG Chiefs general manager Michael Chammas says the expansion franchise will delay making a formal move on Blues star Hudson Young until November 1, despite the Canberra Raiders throwing a monster $3.3 million offer at their star backrower.

The Raiders have launched an all-out retention raid to keep Young in Canberra, tabling a stunning three-year extension worth $3.3m [approximately K10m].

The record deal would see the 28-year-old pocket around $1.1 million [approx. K3.3m] per season, making him the highest-paid player in the Green Machine’s 44-year history.

While the Raiders are desperate to close the door on rival suitors, Chammas confirmed the Chiefs are biding their time before entering official contract talks.

"There's been a lot of talk around Hudson's future. Look, as a club, we want to respect Canberra's position," Chammas said.

"It's well documented they gave Hudson permission to talk to us. We've made a decision that we'd like to wait till November 1 and explore the other options that are available in the market.

"Now, that's not to say Hudson Young isn't a fantastic player. He's arguably top two, if not the best back-rower in the competition.

"So we're going to get to November 1 and assess all the options in the back row. It's probably the one area where I would say is the strongest of all the positions.

"There are a number of back-rowers off-contract. So, we're in a situation with Hudson where we want to respect him and Canberra, but at the right time, we'll be able to discuss that."

Young remains tied to Canberra through 2027, but under NRL regulations, he can officially negotiate with rival clubs for 2028 and beyond starting November 1.

Raiders chief executive Don Furner made no secret of Canberra’s desperation to retain the NSW representative forward before rival clubs can pounce.

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

Despite Canberra’s mega offer, the Chiefs remain firmly in the picture. The injured backrower is scheduled to fly into Port Moresby later this month to inspect the club’s new facilities firsthand.