Dominic Young, the England international rugby league winger, is poised to rejoin the Newcastle Knights, just days after helping the Sydney Roosters secure a narrow 12-8 win over his former club in Newcastle. His return to the Knights is expected to be officially announced on Monday, and he may be immediately included in their squad for their upcoming clash with the Dolphins in Perth.
Young previously had a highly successful stint at Newcastle, where he quickly became a fan favorite. During his initial three years with the club, he scored an impressive 43 tries in 51 games. His final year there, 2023, was particularly noteworthy, with a record-breaking 25 tries in a single season for the Knights. That standout performance cemented his reputation as one of the NRL’s top finishers.
In 2024, Young moved to the Roosters on a four-year deal, but despite scoring 26 tries in 31 appearances, he found it increasingly difficult to maintain a starting role. The emergence of younger talent like Mark Nawaqanitawase and Robert Toia on the Roosters’ right edge made it challenging for Young to secure consistent playing time. Two months ago, he was relegated to the NSW Cup – a move that hinted at his declining role in the Roosters’ immediate plans.
Recognizing an opportunity, the Knights were quick to initiate discussions about bringing Young back. After negotiations regarding the financial terms of his release – specifically how much each club would cover of his remaining salary this year – an agreement was reached. Young is now set to remain with Newcastle at least until the end of the 2027 season.
Speaking candidly about his situation, the 23-year-old admitted he had mixed emotions about leaving the Roosters, but ultimately felt it was the right decision for his career. “For me, playing every week is the priority,” he said. “I have a lot of goals I want to achieve, and the best way to do that is by being on the field. If that opportunity is more likely to come at Newcastle, then it’s a better fit.”
Young emphasized that he believes Newcastle’s playing style, as well as his previous connection with the team and its players, suits him better. “I did enjoy my time here before,” he said. “The way we played and the players I worked with just felt natural. I think I can perform better in that setup.”
He also reflected fondly on his earlier time at the club, especially the raucous support from fans during his remarkable 2023 campaign. One memory that stands out for him was the Knights’ home playoff game against Canberra, where he scored twice in front of a packed stadium. “That roar after my tries – it was something special,” he recalled. “The love from the Newcastle fans has always meant a lot to me. Even when I was at the Roosters, I kept hearing from them.”
Returning to the Knights clearly carries emotional weight for Young. He described Newcastle as “the first place” of his NRL career and a club that will always hold a special place in his heart. That sentiment adds a deeper layer of motivation as he looks to reignite his form and re-establish himself as one of the league’s elite wingers.
Interestingly, the transition back to Newcastle comes on the heels of Young playing against them – a somewhat surreal experience, knowing he’d soon be rejoining their ranks. “It was a weird one, yeah,” he admitted. “But I wanted to leave on a high note. Getting that win was important to me.”
Although he didn’t score in that game, Young turned in a strong performance, running for 164 metres off 15 carries – a testament to his continued impact on the field, even under uncertain circumstances. Newcastle did manage to score on his defensive edge, but Young stressed that he gave his all in every appearance for the Roosters, regardless of what was happening behind the scenes.
“I always gave 100% in that jersey,” he said. “That’s what I promised to do, and I think I lived up to that. I wanted to put my best foot forward in my final game, and I think I did.”
While the Roosters have yet to make a formal announcement about his release, their coach Trent Robinson acknowledged that Young’s return to Newcastle was imminent, saying, “It’s pretty clear he’s going to be up here on Monday.”
Newcastle head coach Adam O’Brien confirmed that the club would gladly welcome Young back. “We didn’t want him to leave in the first place,” O’Brien said, underlining how highly the club still regards him. He also noted that Young could be considered for selection as early as the next match, suggesting his integration into the team will be swift.
Veteran Knights center Dane Gagai, who previously formed a potent partnership with Young, echoed that sentiment. “If he comes here, like Adsy said, we’ll welcome him with open arms,” Gagai said. “Right now, we just need to focus on winning games – however we get that done.”
Young’s return couldn’t come at a better time for Newcastle, whose attacking output has struggled this season. They’ve only managed 34 tries in 14 games – the lowest total in the NRL. With his proven ability to finish plays and stretch defenses, Young adds a critical weapon to their offensive arsenal.
In the bigger picture, this move represents a second chance for Young to realize his full potential in an environment that seems tailor-made for his skills. Having already achieved individual success with the Knights in the past, and now being more motivated than ever to cement his status, Young sees this chapter as pivotal.
“It’s a big year for me,” he said. “I’ve got goals, and I think being back in Newcastle gives me the best chance to reach them.”
With fan support behind him, a familiar team around him, and a renewed sense of purpose, Young’s return has the potential to be one of the most impactful mid-season moves of the year. Both the player and the club are betting that this reunion will yield success – not just for the remainde
r of 2025, but for years to come.
