NSW Blues star Hudson Young is growing increasingly frustrated with the Canberra Raiders as his future hangs in the balance and he prepares to make a huge decision on his next move.

Finding himself caught in a bizarre standoff between the Raiders, the NRL and the PNG Chiefs, Young’s market value has become a major sticking point in contract talks over his proposed move to the expansion club.

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While the NRL’s valuation of Young was previously understood to be around $1.1 million a season, the figure has now dropped to $1 million — still $100,000 more than what the Chiefs were willing to offer.

And with the situation dragging on, the back-rower is understood to be unhappy with how the saga has played out and with his current team.

According to CODE Sports reporter Brent Read, Young has already spoken to the player’s union about the dispute.

“I think he will go to market cause I don’t think he’s happy. He’s spoken to the player’s union about this,” Read said on NRL 360.

“He’s been offered the opportunity to go to the NRL about this so he’s obviously not happy.

“You don’t go to the RLPA (Rugby League Players Association) if you’re not happy.”

NRL 2025 RD25NRL 2025 RD25 Penrith Panthers v Canberra Raiders – Hudson Young. Picture: NRL PhotosSource: Supplied

The veteran reporter also stated Young could make his case directly to the NRL in a bid to have his market value reassessed.

“He also has the opportunity to make a presentation to the NRL on his own market value so it can change,” Read continued.

As it stands, the NRL stance has ruled that Young could not sign with the Chiefs for less than $1 million a season.

However, fellow CODE Sports reporter Michael Carayannis believes they have potentially overvalued the Origin star.

“I understand the NRL’s stance and concern of PNG was a factor,” Carayannis said.

“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.

“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.

“That’s why this one has blown up more than any other player the Chiefs have signed.”

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With Young’s future in limbo, he is now set to test his value on the open market and will be able to speak to every team from November 1.

“If it gets to November 1 and he gets offers of $850,000-900,000 then maybe they just adjust that market,” Read added.

The PNG Chiefs remain the likely destination for Young, but the major sticking point is whether they are prepared to increase their offer beyond $900,000 a season before another team potentially pounces.

“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?” Carayannis added.

“As it stands, they’re not budging on $900,000.”