The Canberra Raiders are actively working to strengthen their roster amid ongoing uncertainty regarding Hudson Young's future with the club. As part of their efforts, the Raiders have made contract offers to two players while securing another for the upcoming season.

Contract Offers and Extensions

Matty Nicholson, who is currently under contract until the end of 2027, has been offered a two-year extension by the Raiders, which includes an option for a third year. If he accepts, this deal would keep him in Canberra until at least the end of 2030. Additionally, the Raiders have proposed a two-year contract to Jaiyden Hunt, a forward from Brisbane who is set to become a free agent at the end of the current season.

In another positive development for the Raiders, Matt Timoko has opted into his contract for 2027, marking his eighth season with the club. The negotiations with Timoko also included an option for 2028, further solidifying his future with the team.

Hudson Young's Future in Question

Meanwhile, Hudson Young is contemplating his future after being offered a substantial $3.3 million, three-year extension by the Raiders. Despite this lucrative offer, Young is scheduled to visit Port Moresby in September to tour the facilities of the PNG Chiefs, an NRL expansion club set to enter the competition in 2028. The Raiders view Young as a potential future captain, but his decision will depend on the recovery of his Achilles tendon following surgery.

Young and Nicholson share the same manager, Sam Ayoub, which prompted discussions about securing Nicholson's future while he was in Canberra last week. The Raiders are keen to retain the England international, who has shown promise but has faced injury challenges, limiting him to just 15 NRL games over the past two seasons.

As the Raiders continue to navigate these contract negotiations, they are also looking to bolster their squad's depth. They recently met with Jaiyden Hunt following a match against the Broncos, indicating their interest in enhancing their middle depth, especially after signing Canterbury prop Lipoi Hopoi.