Ricky Stuart makes enormous Hudson Young call

Canberra Raiders head coach Ricky Stuart has confirmed he would consider granting an early release to second-rower Hudson Young if the player's management initiates the request. Young missed a contract deadline with Canberra and recently toured facilities in Port Moresby ahead of an expected move to the PNG Chiefs for the 2028 season, having declined the Raiders' club-record offer of $1.1 million per year.

Meanwhile, the NRL confirmed it will enforce a $1 million salary-cap valuation on Young for the Chiefs, even if he agrees to a lower $900,000 contract. NRL CEO Peter V'landys stated the league will not compromise on the market valuation, creating a salary cap challenge for the new franchise as it works to assemble its inaugural roster.