Hudson Young to Depart Raiders After Stunning Contract Withdrawal

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The Canberra Raiders have withdrawn their record-breaking contract offer to Hudson Young, bringing a major shift in the club’s negotiations with the star forward.

The Raiders confirmed the decision this afternoon, after discussions between the club’s board and senior management.

The offer was reportedly worth $4.4 million over four years, making it the largest contract proposal in Canberra’s history.

In a statement, the Raiders said they believed they had done everything possible to convince Young to remain at the club, but needed an answer after negotiations that had been ongoing since June.

“The club’s offer to Hudson and his management was intended to keep him at the Raiders for the rest of his career, as an integral part of the club and a potential future leader,” the statement read.

The decision comes with Young’s future attracting interest from the incoming PNG Chiefs, who are reportedly keen to secure the representative forward ahead of their entry into the NRL.

Canberra’s withdrawal of the offer does not mean Young has left the club, with the 28-year-old still contracted to the Raiders for the 2027 season.

However, the move gives Canberra greater clarity as it prepares for the upcoming player movement period, with November 1 approaching.

Young has been an important member of the Raiders since making his NRL debut in 2019, playing more than 150 games for the club.

The Raiders had hoped their substantial offer would secure his long-term future in the nation’s capital, but have now opted to move forward without the proposal on the table.

The club confirmed it still expects Young to return for pre-season training as he remains contracted for next season.

With the record offer now withdrawn, attention will turn to Young’s next move and whether the two parties revisit negotiations in the future.

For now, Canberra has made its decision, and Young’s long-term future remains unresolved.