Negotiations have begun with Canberra Raiders forward Matty Nicholson to keep him in the nation's capital beyond the end of next year.
Nicholson has had a highly disrupted 2026 campaign following off-season surgery on his shoulder, but has returned to the paddock and played four out of the last five games for the Raiders.
Before the shoulder concern was the syndesmosis and fractured fibula injury, which wiped him out for four months in his debut year at the club in 2025.
The Daily Telegraph reports the Raiders are looking to secure Nicholson amid fears Hudson Young could potentially be leaving the club after 2027 after having not yet signed a fresh deal.
Young is free to negotiate with rival clubs on November 1 this year, and is reportedly set to test the open market to see what offers are out there.
Given his stature in the game, Young could demand serious dollars on the open market with his growing prominence as one of the best forwards in the competition.
Similarly to Young, Nicholson is also without a 2028 contract, but the club is keen to get a deal done so he doesn't have the chance to field offers in just over two months' time.
Nicholson has shown quality glimpses of progressing into an elite back rower, crossing for two tries on his NRL debut after making the switch from the Warrington Wolves.
It is understood the Raiders have offered Young a $3.3 million deal to remain in the nation's capital, but he has yet to accept the offer.
Young has proven to be one of the most elite backrowers in the NRL, showcased in his representative honours with the NSW Blues and Australia Kangaroos.
The damaging star was at his best until an Achilles injury struck him down and ruled him out for the rest of the season in July.
It makes the re-signing of Nicholson crucial if Young were to test himself on the open market.
The Raiders will finish their 2026 campaign with the luxury of a bye this weekend before closing out the year with a trip to Townsville to face the North Queensland Cowboys.
