Hudson Young's playing future beyond 2028 continues to be speculated with frustrations seemingly growing as the situation continues to drag on.
After an update was provided by Raiders CEO Don Furner, fans of the team from the nations capital were given further hope that Young would remain a Raider beyond next season.
Talking on SEN's Kick Off, Furner stated: "Look, we're quietly confident...He's told us that it'll be either us or there, so I guess that gives us a 50-50 chance.”
Young was granted permission by the club to explore potential opportunities with expansion side PNG Chiefs, however, before he has had the chance to go over to Papua New Guinea their offer has been halted due to under valuation claims from the NRL.
In front of him, Young has two offers tabled.
The first, a three-year contract extension with the Green Machine, with a value of $1.1 million a year, which would make him the highest paid in Raiders history.
The second, a $900,000 a season, tax-free offer for three years from the Chiefs.
When speaking on Fox Sports NRL360, Code Sports reporter Brent Read spoke on the current situation, claiming that Young has become increasingly frustrated with the matter as the standoff continues.
“He's been offered the opportunity to go to the NRL about this so he's obviously not happy," Read said.
“You don't go to the RLPA (Rugby League Players Association) if you're not happy.”
With Young reportedly going to the NRL, it signals that he wants to get a deal over the line as soon as possible.
As November 1 fast approaches, there is potential for others teams to express interest in the representative forward.
If this happens, the valuation of the price-tag of Young will be a talking point again.
Read added “If it gets to November 1 and he gets offers of $850,000-900,000 then maybe they just adjust that market”
CODE Sports reporter Michael Carayannis too spoke on NRL360 claiming the he believed that the Chiefs evaluation of the stars price tag was fair, factoring the tax-free benefits, too adding who he believes are the frontrunners are for Young's signature.
“They could offer players $200,000-300,000 less per season because of the tax-free benefits, but I think they missed the market on Hudson Young," Carayannis said.
“Not PNG but the NRL because when you're talking $1-1.1 million for Hudson Young, that's a lot of money, so PNG's value I thought was right.
“But I think the NRL was concerned about the precedent that would set if they allow him to go for $100,000 or $200,000 less to the Chiefs.
“The other interesting point is every other player that PNG has signed, their current club didn't offer them a deal.
“PNG (is the likely home for Young) but at what price? Is it the $900,000? Is it $950,000 or is it a steadfast $1 million?”
An untimely ruptured achilles injury in July ended the back rowers season and the chance of putting the green and gold jersey on in the World Cup set to kick off in October. For now, he will prioritise getting his playing future sorted.
