Canberra is urging powerhouse second-rower Hudson Young to extend his contract as the club aims to fend off the enticing offer from the PNG Chiefs.
Young's contract expires at the end of 2027, and he will be eligible to negotiate with other NRL clubs starting November 1. The Raiders are anxious to secure the NSW State of Origin star before that date.
Meanwhile, reports indicate that the Chiefs are keen on signing the 28-year-old ahead of their first season in 2028.
Raiders CEO Don Furner is committed to doing everything possible to retain Young before his agent meets with Canberra officials later this week.
"He's someone that hopefully will captain this club. He's someone that wants to keep playing representative footy, but he's probably got a better chance of doing that here," Furner said.
"He's also got his eyes on life after footy. He started his own supplements company, so all those sorts of things perhaps will help. But if it's just pure money, we can't compete with that.
"I can't see us losing to another NRL club outside of PNG."
The tax-free salaries offered by the Chiefs have become a major lure for players, with names like Jarome Luai, Brian To'o, Zac Lomax, and Alex Johnston already attracted to the club.
Young would be a significant addition to their roster after being a strong contender for Australia in this year's World Cup before suffering a season-ending Achilles injury in round 20.
The contract situation in Canberra also involves forwards Morgan Smithies (Perth) and Josh Papali'i (retirement), both likely to depart the club.
Additionally, prop Corey Horsburgh is preparing to leave for the Perth Bears, with Furner suggesting an announcement might be forthcoming.
"We will never find another Josh Papali'i. It'd be great if we could find another Josh Papali'i, but we definitely need some middle forwards," Furner noted.
"We'll have to concentrate on that area. Morgan Smithies as well (is leaving) and Red (Horsburgh).
"I think the next couple of weeks there'll be movement at other clubs and things will open up."
Horsburgh's potential exit follows coach Ricky Stuart's criticism of his recent behavior after he slapped Newcastle centre Dane Gagai, resulting in Horsburgh being dropped for Canberra's recent match against Cronulla.
Nonetheless, Furner remains optimistic that the Raiders are capable of contending for the championship next season, despite being near certain to miss finals this year after winning the minor premiership last season.
He dismissed rumors about outside back Sebastian Kris potentially moving to the Warriors, stating he was unaware of any such developments.
Furner did not rule out signing Brisbane forward Jaiyden Hunt after reports surfaced that he had met with Canberra officials.