‘There can be exceptional circumstances’: The change that could rock the player market

The NRL has made a big decision that could change contract negotiations dramatically.

FOX Sports Australia

Published: Saturday, 17 October 2026 at 10:57 PM

Key Things to Know

The NRL will permit players and clubs to challenge official salary cap market valuations under exceptional circumstances.
The policy change follows contract negotiations between Canberra Raiders forward Hudson Young and the PNG Chiefs.
Canberra offered Young $1.1 million per season, prompting the auditor to revalue him above PNG's $900,000 offer.

The Story in 60 Seconds

The NRL will now allow clubs and players to formally contest salary cap market value assessments following negotiations involving Hudson Young. The NSW forward was targeted by the incoming PNG Chiefs with a tax-free $900,000 per season offer, but the move stalled after the Canberra Raiders offered $1.1 million, leading the salary cap auditor to revalue Young at $1 million.

NRL boss Peter V'landys confirmed the governing body reached an agreement with the RLPA to consider exceptional circumstances in player valuations. The decision prevents manipulation while balancing the tax-free status advantages granted to the PNG franchise entering the competition in 2028.

Read the full article on FOX Sports Australia

‘There can be exceptional circumstances’: The change that could rock the player market

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