Canberra is challenging barnstorming second-rower Hudson Young to re-sign with the club, as it looks to stave off the glittering prospect of a big-money deal with the PNG Chiefs.
Young, who is off-contract at the end of 2027, will be free to talk to rival NRL clubs on November 1, and the Raiders are desperate to lock down the NSW State of Origin representative before then.
But reports have emerged the Chiefs are looking to lure the 28-year-old up north ahead of their inaugural season in 2028.
Raiders CEO Don Furner is determined to do everything possible to keep Young ahead of his agent meeting with Canberra officials later this week.
"He's someone that hopefully will captain this club. He's someone that wants to keep playing representative footy, but he's probably got a better chance of doing that here," Furner said.
"He's also got his eyes on life after footy. He started his own supplements company, so all those sorts of things perhaps will help. But if it's just pure money, we can't compete with that.
"I can't see us losing to another NRL club outside of PNG."
The Chiefs' lucrative tax-free salaries have become a huge drawing card for players to make the move to PNG as the club has attracted the names of Jarome Luai, Brian To'o, Zac Lomax and Alex Johnston.
Young would be another huge addition to their roster as he was a shoo-in to play for Australia in this year's Rugby League World Cup before suffering a season-ending achilles injury in round 20.
But it's not just the 28-year-old who has been caught up in Canberra's contract storm, with forwards Morgan Smithies (Perth) and Josh Papali'i (retirement) set to leave the club.
Prop Corey Horsburgh is also readying for an exit to the Perth Bears, with Furner hinting an announcement was imminent.
"We will never find another Josh Papali'i. It'd be great if we could find another Josh Papali'i, but we definitely need some middle forwards," Furner said.
"We'll have to concentrate on that area. Morgan Smithies as well (is leaving) and Red (Horsburgh).
"I think the next couple of weeks there'll be movement at other clubs and things will open up."
Horsburgh's potential move comes after coach Ricky Stuart called the forward's slapping of Newcastle centre Dane Gagai two rounds ago a "f***ing brain explosion", which led to Horsburgh being dropped for Canberra's clash against Cronulla last Saturday.
Regardless, Furner believes the Raiders have a team capable of winning the premiership next campaign despite the club being all but ruled out of this season's finals the year after winning the minor premiership.
The chief executive also rubbished claims that outside back Sebastian Kris is set for a move to the Warriors, saying nothing has caught his eye and it was news to him when the rumours broke.
He didn't rule out signing Brisbane forward Jaiyden Hunt as well, after reports emerged that he met with Canberra officials.
