Signings watch: Raiders CEO 'quietly confident' of star re-signing

Canberra Raiders CEO Don Furner Jr. believes that Hudson Young is likely to remain with the club beyond 2027 as the star second rower considers his options.

Coming out of contract at the end of next season, the 28-year-old is currently weighing two offers from the Raiders and PNG Chiefs.

The Green Machine has reportedly offered the forward a three-year extension worth $1.1 million per season, while the expansion club had offered $900,000, which would all be tax-free.

However, the Chiefs’ offer has been put under question by the NRL, who believe the offer is not up to ‘market value ’, which has seen their pursuit put on hold.

With Young still set to visit PNG to make up his mind, the Raiders CEO explained that the 155-game player wanted to get the full picture before deciding.

“Obviously, he wanted to explore his options, and we'd rather him get it over and done within the next couple of weeks rather than go to the 1st of November,” Furner told SEN’s Kick Off.

“So, for him to make the right decision hopefully and stay with us, I think he wanted to feel comfortable that he had checked everything else out. Not knowing that, he might have regretted that decision.

“He certainly wanted to see what it would have been like over there and hopefully make an informed decision, but we're hoping that he stays.

“We've got to sit down with him now because he was up in Townsville with the team, so we'll speak to him this week.

“But there's no use fighting that, let them explore it and go from there.”

But with the race for his signature down to two clubs, Furner backs Canberra’s chances to keep the NSW representative.

“Look, we're quietly confident, but you never know,” he added.

“I mean Papua New Guinea could increase their offer. I don't think he'll go anywhere else.

“He's told us that it'll be either us or there, so I guess that gives us a 50-50 chance.”

Young managed to play 14 games for Canberra in 2026, which saw him average 131 running metres whilst scoring five tries.

The Raiders saw their season conclude on Saturday afternoon when they defeated North Queensland 50-30 at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.