Canberra will wait to make a decision on the future of unsettled fullback Anthony Milford at the end of the NRL season, and say they're determined to keep him.
The 19-year-old has requested a release from his contract, wanting to activate a clause which would allow him to return to Brisbane where his father is battling an illness.
However the Raiders, who sacked representative fullback Josh Dugan this year following a succession of off-field incidents, are desperate to keep the brilliant Milford, who is in the running for the NRL rookie of the year award.
"We acknowledge that we received the request from Anthony's manager for a release from his current contract," Raiders chief executive Don Furner said in a statement.
"Out of respect for Anthony and his family we will wait until the season is over before discussing his future at the club.
"We always treat welfare issues of our players seriously and we will meet with Anthony and his manager at the end of the year to avoid distraction as the team prepares for their remaining games of the season and a bid for the finals.
"We want Anthony with us here at the Raiders long term and we will be doing all we can to keep him at the club and Anthony's welfare is of the utmost importance to us.
"We have been in negotiations with Anthony to extend his deal and we will wait until the season is over to continue these negotiations."
