LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
In preparation for Dane Gagai's milestone 300th NRL game, Knights coach Adam O'Brien has chosen to focus on the upcoming match rather than discuss the club's faltering pursuit of Dom Young.
Recent reports indicated that Young, an English winger dropped to reserve grade by the Roosters, was poised to return to the Knights.
However, negotiations have since stalled, leading to controversy between the clubs.
Roosters coach Trent Robinson criticized the Knights and Young's agent for their handling of the situation, expressing displeasure that the Knights approached them while also expecting the Roosters to cover Young's salary in a potential deal.
Robinson's comments reflect a growing frustration within the Roosters camp regarding recruitment practices being conducted through the media.
O'Brien acknowledged the challenges of recruitment, stating, "Probably a thing that I've learnt out of the week is that doing your recruitment and retention through you guys (the media) is not best practice," underscoring the complications that arise from public negotiations.
He remains focused on the game ahead, emphasizing, "Right now he's a Rooster and I'm focused on Fletcher Hunt being on the wing for us tomorrow night."