Newcastle could be set to welcome Dom Young back to the club in the coming days with his departure from the Sydney Roosters seemingly all but sealed.
The Knights were devastated to lose the English international when he spurned the offer of an extension to join the glamour club in Bondi.
Yet, like so many of the Chooks’ recent big-money signings, things haven’t worked out for Young.
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Knights ready to 'welcome home' unwanted Rooster Dom Young
After a strong first season where he notched 20 tries in 22 appearances for the Roosters, Young has endured a poor start to the 2025 campaign.
Despite crossing for five tries, Trent Robinson jettisoned him out of his side in Round 8 following some defensive deficiencies.
The 23-year-old was then informed he was free to pursue opportunities elsewhere, even though he still had over two years remaining on his bumper deal.
"I don’t know where that’s at," Knights coach Adam O’Brien said post-match when asked whether Young could feature for the club as soon as in Round 11.
"From all reports, he wants to come. Apparently, the Roosters have told him he’s free to go.
"I believe he wants to come home and we’ll welcome him with open arms.
"Our errors are coming from out wide," O’Brien added after watching his side slip to a terrible 24-20 loss against the Gold Coast Titans.
"All of them are happening with our outside backs and it’s costing us and our middles."
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The coach then revealed he was open to making sweeping changes in his backline ahead of their meeting with Parramatta. Whether that will include the dreadlocked crowd favourite remains to be seen.
Young was a pivotal part of Newcastle’s attack during his initial three-year spell in the Hunter.
He made his NRL debut for the club in 2021 after making the move across from the Super League to test himself. Yet it was during the following year that he truly emerged as a prolific finisher.
He scored 14 four-pointers in 2022, before winning the Ken Irvine Medal in 2023 with 25 tries.
"It’s a nice idea," Kalyn Ponga replied when asked about the possibility of the star winger returning to the Knights.
"The reality is he’s not here right now, so I can’t really talk about it. But obviously, if he’s in our colours, I’d love to have him back."