On Wednesday morning, Hudson Young was due to fly to Port Moresby with the PNG Chiefs’ head of football, Michael Chammas, for a tour of the facilities. Nothing has been signed yet but it is nonetheless the clearest sign yet that the Chiefs are close to landing a star forward, after the Raiders withdrew their four-year offer.

The Chiefs have so far recruited an almighty backline. Jarome Luai, Brian To’o, Zac Lomax and Joey Manu have all committed for 2028 after visiting Port Moresby. In the forwards, Matty Lees is reportedly the only registered middle forward. Young, who has played 155 NRL games, six Tests for Australia and nine for New South Wales, is one of the competition’s leading second-rowers. He would add quality on the edge. The Chiefs also have to clear the salary cap auditor. Their first offer was blocked as below market value, and a contract reported at $3.6 million is now said to be available and expected to be approved.

The same week has changed the halfback market. Nathan Cleary is reported to have turned down a tax-free four-year offer from the Chiefs, reportedly worth about $6 million, and to be set to re-commit to Penrith. Nothing has been signed. The reported terms are a two-year deal worth more than $1.7 million a season to the end of 2029, plus a two-year player option in his favour worth at least $3.4 million, which could take him to 2031.

That leaves Sam Walker as the most prominent halfback who is available. The Roosters withdrew their offer on 26 October after the parties could not agree on his long-term value. He is contracted through 2027, but the Roosters want him gone and with Cleary now off the market he will be the most sought-after halfback in the game.