Raiders star admits lure in Chiefs signing blitz
Scott Bailey |
Hudson Young has admitted he is attracted to the prospect of joining PNG’s list of star-studded recruits, labelling a move to the Chiefs as a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity”.
Speaking before being awarded the True Blue Medal at NSW’s State of Origin dinner, Young confirmed on Monday night it was a contest between two for his signature.
The 28-year-old has received a three-year offer from Canberra worth $1.1 million a season and remains open to the prospect of taking it up for 2028 and beyond.
But he will first tour PNG once off the crutches later this month following his Achilles rupture, making clear he would only leave the Raiders to join the NRL’s 19th franchise.
“I have no interest in playing for another NRL club,” Young said.
“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.”
Young has been granted permission by the Raiders to tour PNG and meet with the Chiefs before November 1, in a move that could also give the Raiders certainty in the market.
To this point, no established NRL player has toured PNG and not taken up a deal, with Ivan Cleary suggesting last month it was impossible to compete if players were happy with the set up.
Young’s signature would be a massive boost for the Chiefs, who cannot officially enter the open market until November 1.
They have already signed Brian To’o, Zac Lomax, Joey Manu, Alex Johnston and Jarome Luai, while Nathan Cleary and Sam Walker are in their sights as halves.
And while Englishman Matty Lees and Sydney Roosters utility Connor Watson will be in the forwards, Young is among the world’s best second-rowers.
“As an athlete you always want a challenge and I’m intrigued by the challenge side of it,” Young said.
“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’s expected PNG would not need to match the Raiders’ offer to secure Young’s services, given the advantage of the tax-free status for players.
Young is well aware either option can set him up for life, but a move to PNG could potentially take the supplements company he owns to a new market.
Meanwhile the second-rower expects to be back in full training by January, allowing him to be fit for the opening round of next season.
His injury ended a career-best season for the Raiders star, who would have been a certain starter in Australia’s World Cup side.
“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 said.
“But it’s all part of the game, injuries come and go. So just roll with it.”
AAP