Just two days after Young confirmed he was attracted to the prospect of joining the Chiefs' star-studded roster, the potential move has hit a serious sticking point.
It is understood the Chiefs were looking to offer Young about $900,000 a season, if the NSW State of Origin star joined the NRL's 19th franchise for 2028.
That figure is close to $200,000 shy of the monster three-year deal believed to be pitched by the Raiders in order to keep the back-rower.
Young had planned to tour PNG in coming weeks once off crutches following his Achilles rupture, while seriously contemplating becoming the Chiefs' eighth signing.
But ARL Commission chairman Peter V'landys told club bosses on Wednesday that PNG would definitely need to meet market value on player signings, meaning they would likely have to go close to matching rival offers.Â
Until Wednesday, the Chiefs had believed an offer of $900,000 would have met market value.
AAP understands they were willing to up their offer to $950,000 a year, but that is also not expected to be enough.
With that in mind, Chiefs officials have decided to wait until at least November 1 to make a call on Young, when he becomes a free agent.
PNG bosses are also mindful that they have signed seven players, and need to be careful in their evaluation of potential recruits with 18 months until they actually play.
The NRL's position on market value is an interesting one.
Salary-cap rules have long dictated that no player may sign for less than market value with a club, with all seven of the Chiefs' purchases so far meeting that.
But at the same time, players have long retained the right to determine where they want to play, and not necessarily agree to sign for the highest bidder.
Clubs have grown concerned in recent months about the Chiefs' signing spree, given the tax-free incentives on offer for players who join the club.
Penrith coach Ivan Cleary claimed last month it was near impossible to compete with the Chiefs on the open market, if a player decided they were happy to move there.
What the NRL's move means for the rest of PNG's signings remains to be seen, and if clubs desperate for a big name are able to drastically alter the market.
Penrith star Nathan Cleary is among a host of big names off contract next year and able to talk with rivals from November 1, and he could attract deals as high as $2 million.
Speaking this week, Young had suggested he would only leave Canberra for the Chiefs in 2028.
"I have no interest in playing for another NRL club," Young said.
"Sticky (coach Ricky Stuart) and I have spoken about that. It's more the opportunity of the PNG thing.
"My mindset is pretty open. It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I just want to make sure I am comfortable with the decision I make."
14°C