Martin Open to Canberra Move for 2028

Penrith Panthers second-rower Liam Martin says he would consider joining the Canberra Raiders after the Raiders withdrew their offer to Hudson Young.

Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Openings & Closings

Penrith Panthers second-rower Liam Martin said he is open to a move to Canberra for the 2028 season when he becomes available to rival clubs. The comments follow the Canberra Raiders pulling its contract offer to Hudson Young.

Why it matters

Martin is in the final year of his contract, so his availability creates a potential transfer opportunity for rival clubs. The situation also reflects salary cap pressures that have already led Penrith to lose multiple players.

Hudson Young's withdrawn Raiders offer was valued at $4.4 million over four years. Martin's contract expires after the current season, and no replacement deal has been confirmed.

The players

Liam Martin

Martin is a Penrith Panthers second-rower from Temora who is in the final year of his contract.

Canberra Raiders

The Canberra Raiders is an NRL club that pulled its contract offer to Hudson Young.

Penrith Panthers

The Penrith Panthers is an NRL club that has lost multiple players due to salary cap constraints.

The details

Martin told 9News Sydney's Danny Weidler he is open to Canberra, though he said Penrith would still hopefully be his first option if a deal can be worked out. Contract negotiations for Penrith's off-contract players, including Isaah Yeo, Nathan Cleary, Moses Leota and Martin, are expected to ramp up once the World Cup is over.

2028 season: Martin's contract expires and he becomes available to rival clubs.
Wednesday: Hudson Young prepares to tour Papua New Guinea.
Sunday: The Kangaroos play Samoa.
After the World Cup: Penrith contract negotiations are expected to ramp up.

Market Landscape

Penrith's inability to retain players under the salary cap mirrors the broader NRL pattern in which clubs with strong squads struggle to fund every high-value contract. Competition for elite players is intensifying as rival clubs position themselves for the 2028 season.

For Australian rugby league supporters, Martin's contract status could determine which club they follow from 2028. The outcome will also shape how clubs plan their squads under salary cap limits.

The takeaway

Clubs facing salary cap limits must decide early which established players to keep, or risk losing them to rivals. Fans should watch contract talks once the World Cup ends.