Contract negotiations have kicked off with the Canberra Raiders and long-term hooker Tom Starling to keep him in the nation's capital.
Starling's current contract expires at the end of next year, meaning he is free to speak with rival clubs from November 1 this year for a deal for 2028.
The Green Machine looks set to put in a bid first, with The Canberra Times reporting talks have begun to have Starling extend his time at the club.
The 28-year-old livewire has been a mainstay in the Raiders spine since his club debut in 2019, but the emergence of Owen Pattie, who has shown strong glimpses of a future star, means Starling has secured less game-time recently.
With Jayden Brailey also on the books alongside Starling and Pattie in 2026, the club has had elite dummy half depth, although it has created a bottleneck jam of hookers in the top grade.
Brailey securing a deal with the Wests Tigers for 2027 means space has freed up for both Starling and Pattie to own the duties next year.
Starling made his NRL debut with the Newcastle Knights in 2018, playing a solitary game in the Hunter before making the switch to Canberra where he has flourished since.
Playing over 150 games in the lime green, Starling has adapted superbly to the increased pace of the game in recent years, using his footwork and blistering pace from the ruck to get his side on the front foot.
Meanwhile, it is understood Hudson Young is gearing up for a trip to Port Moresby in September after being given permission to speak with the PNG Chiefs as they prepare for their entry into the NRL in 2028.
Young was offered a $3 million extension to remain at the Raiders but has yet to accept the deal as he assesses his future in the NRL.
The NSW Blues star suffered a nasty Achilles injury in July, wiping him out for the remainder of the season along with Australian Kangaroos duties for this year's Rugby League World Cup.
Rookie halfback Ethan Sanders is also believed to be in the midst of contract talks with the club, and is progressing well.
His current deal is also expiring at the end of the 2027 season, but has burst onto the scene this year as the club's starting halfback, kicking things off with securing a golden point win against Manly in Round 1.
The Raiders will finish their 2026 season with a trip to Townsville to face the Cowboys on Saturday night.
