Sydney Roosters and England winger Dom Young has discussed the new role that he’s set to take on at the club for the upcoming season.
Young will enter his second season with the club after initially signing prior to the 2024 campaign on a four-year deal. The 23-year-old has quickly become one of the NRL’s most prolific wingers despite his limited Super League experience.
He would leave Huddersfield Giants and make his NRL switch after just two games for the Super League outfit – first joining Newcastle Knights in 2021.
That year, he scored four tries in six and his scoring record has continued since then including a try per game in 2023 to earn his move to Sydney Roosters, before scoring 20 in 22 during his maiden campaign with them.
He’ll be part of a much-changed backline for the Roosters in 2025 and he’s now claimed that he’s ready and willing to take on a leadership role.
Sydney Roosters star Dom Young speaks on emerging role
Credit: Paul Currie/Shutterstock
“Why not?”, Young responded when asked by The Daily Telegraph if he felt ready to take on a more senior role among the backs with the Sydney Roosters in 2025.
With the likes of Joey Manu and Josep Sua’ali’i, who moved to rugby union recently, and veteran Michael Jennings, who retired, all exiting, the Roosters lost plenty.
Replacing those stars are rugby union convert Mark Nawaqanitawase and youngster Junior Pauga, leaving Young at just 23 as one of the senior backs.
On being tasked with a leadership role, Young explained: “I am probably more of a leader with my actions more than my words, that’s the kind of style I have. I have had a good few years here now, I know how the game works.
“I’m pretty comfortable on the week-to-week side of it, so if I can help any of the young players in that side of it, then why not.”
He’ll have to catch up on the pre-season grind though after starting later due to being in England for the Test series against Samoa which also saw him incur an injury and miss the second match.
“Them boys are probably all going to be ahead of me when I get in so I have to keep up with them when I get back,” he explained, adding: “I think it always does (bring out the best) it keeps you honest.
“You have to train hard because you wanna keep your spot, because you know the players underneath you are chomping at the bit to get that. I think healthy competition is always good.”
