PNG Chiefs withdraw contract offer for Canberra Raiders forward Hudson Young

The PNG Chiefs have ended their pursuit of Canberra Raiders back-rower Hudson Young. The expansion club withdrew its three-year, $900,000-per-season offer due to concerns regarding the NRL salary cap auditor. NRL officials indicated that the proposed salary exceeded current market benchmarks for back-rowers. Young had received permission from Raiders CEO Don Furner to explore a potential move to the incoming franchise while recovering from an Achilles injury. The player stated his intent to remain with Canberra, though he is now scheduled to enter the open market on November 1.

• 2:15 AMZero Tackle NRL — PNG Chiefs push pause on pursuit of Raiders star