Bulldogs Boss Reveals Fresh Insight into Dom Young’s Situation
Fresh revelations have emerged about Dom Young’s future, with Bulldogs figurehead Phil Gould shedding light on the English winger’s struggles and positional preferences amid uncertainty surrounding his time at the Roosters.
Young’s defensive shortcomings were glaring during the Roosters’ Round 5 clash with South Sydney, where a costly lapse allowed Latrell Mitchell to set up Isaiah Tass for the game-winning try. Although the Roosters weren’t outnumbered, Young failed to mark his opposite man, leaving Tass wide open. Mitchell, having observed Young drifting infield throughout the match, capitalised with a pinpoint cut-out pass. Young, caught out of position, gambled on an intercept instead of making a solid defensive play—and missed.
The blunder marked a turning point in Young’s stint at Bondi, and speculation quickly followed that he would be dropped. Although an injury to Mark Nawaqanitawase temporarily spared him, Young was soon relegated to reserve grade once the former Wallaby returned to full fitness.
Young Tipped for Knights Return
With the Roosters now granting Young permission to explore other opportunities, rumours suggest a return to Newcastle is the most likely outcome. Speaking on SEN, former Knights star Matty Johns noted that Young’s defensive issues weren’t as apparent during his time at the Knights from 2021 to 2023, implying he never fully adapted to the Roosters’ system.
“The Roosters’ setup never seemed to suit him,” Johns said. “At Newcastle, he didn’t look anywhere near as vulnerable defensively.”
Roosters legend Bryan Fletcher echoed similar sentiments, suggesting a move away from the Sydney spotlight could benefit the 23-year-old. “Sydney just doesn’t seem like the right environment for Dom. He thrived in the more relaxed atmosphere of Newcastle. That’s more his style.”
Gould Suggests Young Sees Himself as a Centre
Adding a new twist to the narrative, Bulldogs general manager Phil Gould speculated on his Six Tackles with Gus podcast that Young has never been truly comfortable playing on the wing. Gould claimed the towering back has long believed his best position is at centre.
“Dom Young sees himself as a centre,” said Gould. “He’s never really enjoyed the winger’s role—especially not the high-ball duties or the defensive pressure that comes with it. He’s a tall guy with great reach and probably feels better suited to distributing the ball than chasing it.”
According to Gould, the Roosters’ expectations of high work-rate wingers may have clashed with Young’s preferred playing style. “He wants to create for others, not just finish plays. I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s seeking a move that allows him to switch to centre.”
Knights Could Offer Long-Term Centre Spot
Back at the Knights, James Schiller currently holds the right wing role, while centre spots are filled by Bradman Best and veteran Dane Gagai. Best remains a cornerstone of the backline, but Gagai, now 34, is approaching the twilight of his career. His current contract runs through 2026, with a potential extension into 2027, offering a possible opening for Young in the near future.
With competition stiff at the Roosters—Robert Toia and Billy Smith having locked down the centre roles—Young’s chances of a positional switch in Sydney seem slim. But a return to Newcastle might offer not only a familiar setting, but also a clearer path to playing in the position he truly wants.
