Hudson Young will explore offers from the PNG Chiefs, leaving a record $3.3 million Raiders deal on hold temporarily.
NSW Origin star Hudson Young will leave a record $3.3 million Raiders deal on the table - for now at least - as the club grants him a brief window to explore interest from cashed-up expansion franchise the PNG Chiefs.
Young's management will formally request a week-long period to enter negotiations with Chiefs management early in September after meeting with Canberra officials on Friday.
The Raiders last week increased their initial three-year contract extension for Young to $3.3 million, the largest salary offered in Canberra's history, in the hope they could tie down one of the game's hottest properties.
But given the Chiefs' entry into the player market with tax-free salaries, the Raiders understand Young's desire to explore interest from the franchise.