Canberra boss Don Furner remains confident of securing third party sponsors willing to help the Raiders retain star fullback Josh Dugan.
Furner has met with a handful of businesses in an attempt to top up Dugan's deal and ward off strong interest from rival clubs, led by the Bulldogs.
However, Furner admitted it remains unclear how much extra funding they'll require to re-sign Dugan until they know officially what other clubs are willing to offer.
Furner is set to meet with Dugan's manager Paul Sutton this week, either in Sydney or Canberra.
''We're confident we can get some [third party deals] over the line, whether that's enough to keep him, that's the big question,'' Furner said yesterday.
''It's never easy to get sponsorship or third party money, but in terms of a local junior and trying to keep him here, the feedback we've had is pretty good.
''Our aim is still to try and and at least get it [Dugan's contract] done, or know what's going on, before kick-off.''
WNBL basketball side the Canberra Capitals relied heavily on third party money to sign star centre Lauren Jackson to a three-season deal, believed to be worth $1million, over the next five years.
However, the majority of that money was contributed by the Capitals' existing sponsors, and NRL rules require the Raiders to look outside its current backers.
''I'm OK with the system as it is, we know the avenues we're allowed to go down and we're looking at those,'' Furner said.
''We're allowed a certain amount from our related parties like the Leagues Club.
''She [Jackson] is a worldwide talent, but using that analogy, if there's interest to keep her there's certainly interest to keep Josh Dugan.''
Furner also said the club remains on the lookout for a quality signing to bolster its outside back depth.
Off-season recruit Michael Bani is not included in the club's salary cap.
''We've got room, but if it doesn't happen we'll push through the kids like Sami Sauiluma, Jack Wighton and Haydon Hodge,'' Furner said. ''But it would be great to pick up one more.''
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