DEAL FINALIZED: PNG Chiefs Win Tug-of-War to Secure Hudson Young on $4.5 Million Multi-Year Deal
PORT MORESBY — In a landmark recruitment triumph for the National Rugby League’s newest expansion franchise, the PNG Chiefs have officially finalized a lucrative four-year, $4.5 million deal to land highly-rated Canberra Raiders second-row forward Hudson Young.
The high-stakes tug-of-war for the New South Wales Origin star’s signature ends months of intense speculation regarding his future. The Chiefs beat out stiff competition across the competition to secure the 28-year-old forward as a marquee building block for their inaugural NRL roster.
A Marquee Signing for the NRL’s 19th Franchise
The $4.5 million package—averaging over $1.1 million per season—underlines the ambition of the Port Moresby-based PNG Chiefs as they prepare to enter the competition in 2028 under head coach Willie Peters.
Young’s decision to commit his prime playing years to the Chiefs represents one of the biggest recruitment coups in recent NRL expansion history. Known for his aggressive edge running, try-scoring knack, and relentless work ethic, the Raiders star brings top-tier big-match experience and leadership to the fledgling club.
Speaking on the lucrative move, Young acknowledged the life-changing nature of the multi-year deal and the unique challenge of fronting a new franchise in a rugby league-mad nation.
> “It’s an incredible opportunity for me and my family,” Young said following the announcement. “The chance to be part of history with the PNG Chiefs, while securing long-term financial stability, was something I couldn’t pass up. Canberra has been home and gave me everything, but building a brand-new club from the ground up in Port Moresby is a challenge I’m fully ready to embrace.”
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High-Stakes Recruitment Battle
The Chiefs’ victory in the bidding war follows a dramatic period of contract negotiations. The Raiders had previously tabled a significant offer to retain their star back-rower, but the sheer financial power and vision presented by Peters and the Chiefs’ hierarchy ultimately tipped the scales.
Chiefs inaugural coach Willie Peters hailed the acquisition of Young as a pivotal moment for the franchise’s identity on and off the field.
> “Hudson is precisely the type of player and leader we wanted to build this squad around,” Peters declared. “He plays with an incredible edge, works tirelessly, and brings State of Origin-caliber quality. To win a competitive race for a back-rower of his caliber sends a clear signal across the NRL about what we are building here in Papua New Guinea.”
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Building a Powerhouse Roster
The signing of Young adds substantial firepower to an emerging Chiefs lineup as the front office continues its aggressive marquee recruitment drive ahead of their 2028 debut. Playing out of the Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby, the Chiefs aim to combine established NRL superstars with top domestic Pacific talent.
For Canberra, losing a core forward of Young’s stature leaves a significant void in their forward pack, though it frees up considerable salary cap flexibility for the Green Machine to re-invest elsewhere.
With the paperwork officially signed and the deal sealed, Hudson Young stands ready to spearhead the PNG Chiefs into a bold new era of Pacific rugby league.
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