Dominic Young’s Roosters Exit Confirmed: Does He Walk Into a Full-Strength Knights Side?

The Dominic Young saga is over — and the Sydney Roosters have officially released the English winger from his contract after just 18 months at Bondi.

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Young, who arrived amid huge expectations on a four-year deal, departs with 26 tries in 31 games, but his stint will ultimately be remembered as one of the NRL’s great failed experiments.

Despite his scoring ability, Young’s defence and ball-handling became major red flags for coach Trent Robinson. Once the Roosters’ back five returned to full strength, the writing was on the wall, with Young demoted to reserve grade just before the ANZAC Day clash with the Dragons.

From that point, whispers grew louder — a return to the Newcastle Knights was on the cards. And now, it’s done.

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Back to Where It All Started

Young returns to the club where he became a star. With 43 tries in 51 games for Newcastle between 2021 and 2023, the Knights were always going to welcome him back with open arms.

Coach Adam O’Brien, who recently revealed the club never wanted to lose him, will now be hoping the speedster can spark some desperately needed life into his flailing squad.

Young told reporters on the weekend that he had already relocated to Newcastle and was staying with England teammate Kai Pearce-Paul. He also confirmed he’d be part of the Knights’ Monday review session — signalling the move was all but official before the Roosters confirmed his release.

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Can He Fix the Knights’ Attack?

Let’s be real — Newcastle’s attack has been abysmal. They’ve scored just 194 points in 14 games — less than 14 points per match. Only South Sydney comes close in terms of offensive struggles.

While injuries and constant changes in the halves haven’t helped, O’Brien’s side often looks like it’s running plays drawn up by someone who has never watched rugby league. The defence has been solid — better than most bottom-nine teams — but it’s the attack that’s dragged them into 15th place.

Young can’t fix the playmaking, but he can finish. He brings height, speed, and an instinctive nose for the try line. If Newcastle’s spine can get him clean, early ball in space, the 6’7” winger could be a game-changer.

But that’s a big “if”.

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Who Misses Out in the Back Five?

When the Knights are at full strength, the likely back five now reads:

Kalyn Ponga

Greg Marzhew

Bradman Best

Dane Gagai

Dominic Young

It’s harsh on James Schiller, Fletcher Hunt, and Kyle McCarthy, but it’s the reality of having elite outside backs return from injury or Origin duty.

Fletcher Sharpe, previously filling in on the wing, looks set to remain at five-eighth — a role he’s growing into, albeit slowly. With Ponga firmly entrenched at fullback, there’s no returning to the wing for Sharpe, especially now that Young is back.

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Pressure Cooker for O’Brien

For coach Adam O’Brien, this move feels like a last roll of the dice. His side can defend, but they simply can’t score.

If Young’s return doesn’t trigger a turnaround — or at least inject some much-needed spark — O’Brien might not survive the off-season. With murmurs already growing about his future, the next few weeks could define his coaching career.

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Poll: Does Dominic Young Walk Into Newcastle’s Full-Strength Back Five?

🗳️ Have your say!

Does Dominic Young instantly deserve a spot in the Knights’ full-strength lineup?

🔘 Yes – He’s a proven finisher and boosts their attack

🔘 No – His defence is still too much of a liability

🔘 Maybe – Depends on the form of the other outside backs