Raiders plan for life without Hudson Young as Matty Nicholson set to re-sign

Canberra are planning for life without Hudson Young, with back-rower Matty Nicholson believed to have agreed to a new multi-year deal from 2028. The 23-year-old is seen as a leading candidate to replace Young if he accepts a $1 million offer from the PNG Chiefs. The Raiders are also weighing up whether to rely on Nicholson and rising star Noah Martin as their future back row, or chase free agents Liam Martin or Briton Nikora. Coach Ricky Stuart confirmed the club is open to releasing Young early, and said money was driving Young's decision. Stuart said Canberra's four-year, $1.1 million-a-season offer was the most generous in club history and that the club couldn't have offered any more.

By David Riccio, CODE Sports — read the full story