In a stunning turn of events, Dom Young's future in the NRL has taken a dramatic shift as the Sydney Roosters have granted the talented English winger permission to negotiate with rival clubs. This development comes less than 18 months into his lucrative four-year, $2 million deal with the Roosters, where he initially made a significant impact before recent struggles led to his potential exit.
Young, who scored an impressive 25 tries in 29 appearances for the Roosters, was dropped last month following a series of defensive lapses that raised concerns among coaching staff. His performance peaked when he helped the Knights reach the semi-finals in 2023, but the Roosters' recent form, bolstered by the emergence of younger players like Robert Toia and Mark Nawaqanitawase, has left Young's position precarious.
In the past fortnight, the Roosters have shown marked improvement, racking up a staggering 82 points in just two games, showcasing a potent backline that includes stars like Daniel Tupou and James Tedesco. This resurgence has made it increasingly difficult for Young to reclaim his spot, with the team now looking to move forward without him.
Young's defensive frailties were laid bare during a critical match against South Sydney, where he was caught out of position, allowing Latrell Mitchell to set up the match-winning try for Isaiah Tass. This incident was reportedly pivotal in the decision to drop him to reserve grade. Coach Trent Robinson's patience appeared to wear thin, and Young's future with the club seemed uncertain.
Speaking on SEN radio, Knights great Matty Johns commented on Young's struggles, noting that he had never appeared as vulnerable defensively during his time with Newcastle. "The Roosters' system has never really looked like it's suited him," Johns stated, highlighting the challenges Young faced adapting to the new environment. Meanwhile, Roosters legend Bryan Fletcher suggested that the 23-year-old would benefit from leaving the intense spotlight of Sydney, where he thrived in the more relaxed atmosphere of Newcastle.
Adding to the intrigue, Bulldogs supremo Phil Gould has suggested that Young may prefer a shift to the centre position rather than remaining on the wing. "Dom Young thinks he's a centre," Gould remarked, indicating that Young's desire to play in a different role could be influencing his current situation. This potential positional change could complicate matters, especially with the Knights' current roster dynamics.
Knights coach Adam O'Brien expressed his surprise at the news of Young's availability, stating, "We never wanted to lose him in the first place, and if he wants to come home, we're here." O'Brien's remarks reflect the club's eagerness to welcome back a player who was instrumental in their recent successes.
Young's return to Newcastle is not yet finalized, but discussions are reportedly ongoing. The Roosters are even willing to contribute up to $250,000 of Young's salary to facilitate a transfer, which could be a game-changer for the Knights as they look to bolster their squad. Newcastle is expected to sign Young on a two-year deal, making him available for their upcoming match against Parramatta if the deal is completed before the June 30 transfer deadline.
Despite the challenges he faced in Sydney, Young's scoring record remains impressive, with 68 tries in 80 first-grade appearances. However, his defensive inconsistencies and recent performance dips have led to questions about his future in the NRL. As the Knights prepare to host the Gold Coast Titans, Young's potential return could provide a much-needed boost for a team that has struggled with the worst attack in the league this season.
With the Knights currently sitting in 12th place and looking to snap a five-match losing streak, the addition of Young could be pivotal. If he joins the Knights, it will mark a significant reunion for the player and the club, who are both eager to rekindle their former success.
In conclusion, Dom Young's journey in the NRL has taken a tumultuous turn, with the possibility of a mid-season return to Newcastle on the horizon. As negotiations unfold, both Young and the Knights will be hoping for a swift resolution that allows him to rejoin the team and contribute to their campaign. The coming days will be crucial as the June 30 transfer deadline approaches, and all eyes will be on the future of this talented winger.
