Dom Young’s brother admits “shock” of star’s hospitalisation but offers positive update

It’s been confirmed that NRL star Dom Young won’t feature in England’s test series against Tonga with the winger ruled out consequent to a freak infection that led to his hospitalisation.

It was of course a big blow for Shaun Wane and his England side given the prowess that Young has, registering a club record try tally for Newcastle Knights in the NRL this season, but it was also a worrying blow for Young’s brother Alex.

Alex had been plying his trade in the Championship with Newcastle but secured a move down under to join Sydney Roosters, his brother’s new club, on a development deal.

The Roosters swooped for Young earlier this season, tying him down to a four-year deal, but brother Alex has since joined and has now landed in Australia.

He’s landed whilst Dom is in England, initially for the Tonga test series but of course he’s found himself in hospital, something that Alex has detailed as a shock when speaking with the Daily Telegraph.

“Dom is getting there. I spoke to him this morning and he is in good spirits,” Alex explained to the Telegraph.

“It was a little bit of a shock at first but I have seen first-hand that he is on the mend. There was an element of the unknown, not quite knowing what was wrong with him.

“They have done tests to see what it could have been and the infection is being treated with the right antibiotics.

“I don’t know the exact information (about Dom’s discharge) but I was told he is being monitored to make sure the infection is completely gone.

“It’s now a case of him getting back to strength. Hopefully he will be all-good soon.”

Dom has been confirmed as out for the test series but Matty Ashton will now step up after it was confirmed that Tommy Makinson was also injured, whilst fellow flyer Tom Johnstone will star on the opposite wing following his two try return to the national set-up.

Shaun Wane is expected to confirm his squad for the second test at midday today (Thursday 26th) with Young and Morgan Knowles’ absences confirmed.