PNG's halted efforts to sign Hudson Young could spark a lengthy examination of the NRL's market value regulations, as the Chiefs gear up to pursue off-contract players starting in November.
On Thursday, Chiefs officials acknowledged their willingness to defer signing Young after discovering that the move might not be permitted.
Earlier this week, PNG believed they could secure the NSW State of Origin star with a $900,000 contract, while Canberra proposed $1.1 million annually to retain him.
However, that belief faced pushback on Wednesday when ARL Commission chairman Peter V'landys informed club executives that the Chiefs would need to make an offer closer to competing bids.
PNG officials contemplated presenting a $950,000 annual offer but paused when informed it likely wouldn't be approved by the NRL.
Young was expected to fly to Port Moresby later this month after receiving clearance from the Raiders before November 1.
As of Monday night, he had expressed great enthusiasm for the "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity" and was anticipated to be the franchise's eighth acquisition.
There's still a possibility Young may join PNG after November 1, provided Canberra can't finalize a deal before that date.
However, given the strong back-row talent available next year, it seems unlikely the Chiefs will exceed their $950,000 limit.
The more pressing issue revolves around what Young's situation implies for PNG's other potential signings when they become available on November 1.
Surveys by players' unions show that the primary reason players switch clubs isn't necessarily financial but often concerns the environment they are leaving or entering.
A unique factor for the Chiefs is that even if players accept a slightly lower salary, they may end up with a better net income due to tax-free benefits.
Rival teams appear increasingly anxious about PNG's appeal, which has been evident even prior to November 1.
The Rugby League Players Association is reportedly monitoring developments closely and aims to clarify the NRL's market-value regulation.
Typically, the NRL's salary cap auditor questions several deals annually considered to be under market value.
In assessing a player's worth, the NRL weighs benchmarks for top players in their positions, along with age and other criteria.
Existing offers submitted to the NRL are also factored in, with Young's case being unique because Canberra remains the only team to have made a proposal thus far.
PNG views their offer as reasonable since Young will be 30 when joining them and is currently recovering from a ruptured Achilles tendon.
In actuality, his value to Canberra may surpass that of PNG, considering the Raiders see him as a potential captain.
Earlier, South Sydney managed to secure Jack Wighton from Canberra in 2023 for roughly $250,000 less than the Raiders' annual offering, drawing scrutiny from the NRL.
Souths successfully argued that Wighton's position was different - being paid as a centre instead of a five-eighth - which motivated his transfer.
This off-season could see several prominent players receiving diverse offers, with Nathan Cleary and Sam Walker among the top talents hitting free agency.