Dominic Young continues fine form as teammate is sent off for “brain explosion”

All the talk down under in recent weeks, especially around Newcastle, has centred around Englishman Dominic Young.

The young ex-Huddersfield man has started the season on fire scoring in the first two rounds and coming up with a try saving tackle on Daniel Tupou in Round One. All of this has led to vocal calls that he should be included in Shaun Wane’s England squad for the World Cup.

Today, against the Champions Penrith Panthers, Young would be tested again but he stood up to the challenge scoring Newcastle’s first try of the game looking unstoppable down the right for the Knights. The subsequent conversion even gave them the lead as things appeared to be going well for Young’s team.

However, then came the moment that marred the match. Mitch Barnett was sent off for hitting Penrith player Chris Smith with an elbow in the 33rd minute. Worsening things, Barnett hit him off the ball sending Smith to the ground after the play had passed him connecting with his jaw.

Unsurprisingly, he was then shown a red card with commentators describing the incident as a “brain explosion” and a “cheap” shot. Interestingly, under the rules he may only get 2-4 games suspension due to the striking or dangerous contact charge.

Head Coach Adam O’Brien refused to pile in on his forward who he described as being “part of the family” saying “I tell you what Mitch doesn’t need, it’s me coming out and kicking him publicly” according to the Sydney Morning Herald.

From there it was plain sailing for the Premiers as they cruised to a 38-20 win with Taylan May scoring a hat-trick.

You can watch the highlights and the red card here.