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Canberra Raiders confirm two new signings as nine players enter contract market in November
The Canberra Raiders have confirmed the signing of two new players, Lipoi Hopoi and Jaiyden Hunt, both on two-year contracts, as the club prepares for a significant off-season involving nine players entering the contract market on November 1. The Raiders have offered future captain Hudson Young a $3.3 million, three-year deal to remain in Canberra until 2030, but he attracted interest from the PNG Chiefs, who initially offered $950,000 per year. The NRL ruled the Chiefs' offer below market value and adjusted it to $1 million annually, causing the expansion club to lose interest. Young's contract negotiations remain ongoing, with uncertainty about whether he will wait until November to speak to other clubs. The Raiders are also progressing talks with players Ethan Sanders and Matty Nicholson, while showing interest in securing Tom Starling and Xavier Savage. Manly has expressed interest in Starling. Chevy Stewart, who took up his option for 2027, has requested permission to speak to other clubs after being sidelined behind Canberra fullback Kaeo Weekes. Recruitment manager Chris Hutchison highlighted Hopoi, who recently underwent knee reconstruction after tearing his ACL in his final game for Canterbury, and Hunt, a hard-working player from a premiership squad, as valuable additions to the team. The club aims to strengthen its roster ahead of the 2026 NRL season, with the November 1 market window marking a critical period for contract negotiations.
