England won the opening test against Tonga 22-18 after tries from Wigan Warriors and Warrington Wolves centre Toby King, Hull KR halfback Mikey Lewis and a brace for Tom Johnstone.
There is an argument to be made that Johnstone wouldn’t have played had Dom Young been available.
The Newcastle Knights try scoring sensation who is headed for Sydney Roosters was England’s top try scorer in last year’s World Cup and one of the best wingers on the planet.
But the winger was hospitalised prior to the opening test with an infection.
It has now been revealed that the infection spread to his brain according to the Daily Telegraph.
The infection was exacerbated by the flight to England.
“It’s a sinus infection so it’s brain related,” Agent Michael Cincotto said to the Daily Telegraph.
“It could have been bad or can be bad but his recovery, and the signs he is showing every day, it’s obvious the antibiotics are working.
“It was pretty frightening.
“It’s come out of the blue and was something that definitely needed to be sorted. It pushed his condition over the edge. He wasn’t good.
“Dom had severe headaches.
“The flight exacerbated the infection, pushed it out and created this issue. Essentially it’s a sinus infection. It just went bang after the flight.
“He was admitted to hospital to get it checked out. He is doing well and there are really good signs. I had a really good chat with him yesterday and he said his recovery has been great, from where he was.
“Dom will be ready to go for the (NRL) season, without any doubt. There won’t be issues with that. He is walking around (in hospital) and there isn’t any real cause for concern.
“My gut feel is that he probably won’t play for England at all in these next couple of games.”
England coach Shaun Wane told NRL.com: “He’s in hospital with an illness (and) will be assessed next week.”
It is at present unlikely that the winger will be available for the second test at his former club Huddersfield Giants.
Furthermore, it would be a surprise to see him take to the field at Leeds Rhinos’ Headingley stadium for the third test.
