While Dean Young currently serves as the interim coach for the St George Illawarra Dragons, marquee player Scott Drinkwater has hinted that Young could soon take on the role permanently.
In an enlightening discussion, Drinkwater, who will join the Dragons next year alongside South Sydney Rabbitohs prop Keaon Koloamatangi, cited Young as a significant factor in his decision to move to the club. He also expressed enthusiasm about reconnecting with Valentine Holmes.
"They've got a really good crop of young forwards who have played a lot of good footy together. The Couchman twins, Dylan Egan, and Hamish Stewart... they are only going to get more experienced."
"I've got a good connection with Val (Holmes), so going down there to link back up with him."
"And I've had some really good conversations with Dean Young. I think I probably played my best footy when he was at the Cowboys, and he was the main reason why (I signed with the Dragons)."
"There's a few things that excite me down there."
After receiving a release from the Cowboys at the end of the season, Drinkwater will be making the move to the Dragons, as North Queensland aims to elevate players like Jaxon Purdue and Tom Chester.
The Dragons have been in dire need of a new fullback, especially with Clint Gutherson nearing the end of his career, amid ongoing struggles to score points this season.
This lack of consistent performance, along with a faltering defense, led to Shane Flanagan being dismissed after seven consecutive losses. Although Young couldn't reverse the trend during the Anzac Day match before a bye, the Dragons did experiment with their lineup.