The Canberra Raiders are preparing to initiate discussions regarding a long-term contract extension for Hudson Young in the upcoming weeks.
Over the last year, Young has established himself as one of the top and, crucially, most reliable second-rowers in the NRL.
Previously recognized for occasional disciplinary issues on the field, he has now stepped up as a leader within the Raiders' ranks. It's anticipated that Young will likely secure a starting spot for the NSW Blues when Laurie Daley announces his squad for Game 1 of the 2026 State of Origin series on Monday morning.
Currently, Young's contract expires at the end of 2027, which means he could enter the free-agent market on November 1 if an agreement with the Raiders is not reached by that time.
News Corp is indicating that he has become a top priority for the team, with negotiations expected to commence soon.
While the specifics of Young's market value remain uncertain, it is anticipated that his contract will see an increase due to his impressive performance and recent representative experiences.
The Raiders aim to finalize a long-term deal with Young, which would significantly contribute to his potential status as a one-club player.
Since making his debut in 2019, the standout second-rower has participated in 149 NRL games for the Raiders, along with 6 Origins for New South Wales and 5 Tests for Australia.
Having been born in Maitland, this forward is now viewed as a potential future captain for the Raiders, and coach Ricky Stuart has openly expressed his respect and admiration for Young recently.