LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Roosters coach Trent Robinson faced criticism from NRL legend Greg Alexander after voicing his discontent about the Newcastle Knights' handling of their interest in winger Dom Young.
Young was recently dropped to the NSW Cup due to poor form, leading Newcastle to inquire about his return, despite him being only 18 months into a four-year contract with the Roosters.
Robinson disclosed that the Roosters were open to allowing Young to return for the rest of the season after Newcastle's management contacted them.
He claimed an agreement was reached with Newcastle's chairman, only for the Knights to "backtrack" later.
"Their chairman said that they had the money to take him now and so we agreed his management wanted that," Robinson explained.
"And then they've backtracked at the end of the week and today, so that's really annoying.
If you ask for something...
then you stick by it and they haven't done that." Robinson also noted that the situation has created a distraction for both his team and Young.
In response, Alexander emphasized that such inquiries are typical in club football, saying, "So what if Newcastle ring up (and enquire about Young)? This is what happens in club footy...
a player gets dropped...
and the manager is on the phone immediately." He noted that it's reasonable for a club to express interest when they see a player has been dropped.
Andrew Voss, a veteran NRL commentator, suggested that Young's distress likely stems from feeling unwanted at the Roosters.
"What is the most likely cause of Dominic Young's head being in a spin? I would have thought that 'the Roosters don't want me'," he said.
Alexander concurred, stating that it was inconsequential who initiated the contact as the Roosters were willing to let Young go.
The commentary underscores the complexities of player management and club dynamics, highlighting different perspectives on the situation.