Hudson Young has expressed enthusiasm about potentially joining Papua New Guinea's roster of impressive signings, describing a move to the Chiefs as a "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."
Speaking at NSW's State of Origin dinner before receiving the True Blue Medal, Young revealed on Monday night that he is deciding between two offers for his commitment.
The 28-year-old has an appealing three-year contract proposal from Canberra, valued at $1.1 million annually, and he remains open to accepting it for 2028 and beyond.
However, he plans to visit PNG later this month once he is off crutches following an Achilles injury and emphasized he would only leave the Raiders for the NRL's 19th franchise.
"I have no interest in playing for another NRL club," Young stated.
"Sticky (coach Ricky Stuart) and I have spoken about that. It's more the opportunity of the PNG thing. He has been open, and I have been transparent with him on how I feel and what I want to do. Just sus it all out first and go from there. My mindset is pretty open. It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I just want to make sure I am comfortable with the decision I make."
The Raiders have granted Young permission to visit PNG and meet with the Chiefs before November 1, which could clarify their standing in the market.
So far, no established NRL player has visited PNG and not accepted an offer, with Ivan Cleary commenting last month that it is hard to compete if players are satisfied with the setup.
Signing Young would significantly enhance the Chiefs' lineup, who cannot officially explore the market until November 1.
They have already recruited Brian To'o, Zac Lomax, Joey Manu, Alex Johnston, and Jarome Luai, with Nathan Cleary and Sam Walker targeted as potential halves.
Matty Lees from England and Sydney Roosters utility Connor Watson are set to bolster the forward pack, while Young ranks among the elite second-rowers globally.
"As an athlete, you always want a challenge, and I'm intrigued by the challenge side of it," Young noted.
"And then of course, the players they have signed are world class. Obviously, you want to win, and you would hate to go to a team in a different country and not know what's what. So it's an attraction seeing players like that go there. But at the moment, I have no idea (what I'm doing) because I haven't been there. So we'll just wait and see."
It is believed that PNG may not need to match the Raiders' offer to secure Young, considering the players' tax-free status.
Young realizes that either option can provide a comfortable future, but moving to PNG could also expand the market for his supplements company.
In the meantime, he anticipates returning to full training by January, ensuring he is fit for the next season's opening round.
His injury not only halted a standout season for the Raiders star but also cost him a spot on Australia's World Cup team.
"It's always hard missing club games, but then when you miss representing your country as well that makes it a little bit harder," Young acknowledged.
"But it's all part of the game; injuries come and go. So just roll with it."