Dragons lock in premiership winner to lead club back to glory
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The Dragons have turned to a premiership winner to return the club to their former glory with Dean Young announced as the full-time coach.
The club legend led St George Illawarra to a memorable grand final victory in 2010 as a player and has impressed since taking over as interim coach earlier this year.
While the Dragons have struggled to claim victories on the field, there has been significant improvement with a host of emerging players taking big steps forward.
Finals moments: Father and Son
After St George Illawarra confirmed he had signed a two-year deal through to the end of 2028, Young expressed his desire to lead the club back to a position as a perennial premiership contender.
"Leading this great club is a privilege, but I understand that it also comes with responsibility and pressure," Young said.
"I have experienced success and failure in this game, as both a player and a coach. Those experiences have given me the confidence to lead this club back to where it belongs.
"I want our fans to be proud of our football team. Proud of how hard we compete and how consistent we are. It’s my job to create an environment that delivers these values.
"We have only just started to see the potential of this team. There’s a lot more work to be done."
Match: Dragons v Titans
Round 21 -
home Team
Dragons
17th Position
away Team
Titans
16th Position
Venue: St George Venues Jubilee Stadium, Kogarah
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
The Dragons have embarked on an extensive roster overhaul leading into the 2027 campaign.
Damien Cook and Tyrell Sloan headline the list of players departing at the end of this season, with a host of big names arriving in Wollongong next year.
Keaon Koloamatangi, Scott Drinkwater and Luke Metcalf are among the high-profile recruits that are set to elevate a young core of players.
Hamish Stewart Try
The Couchman twins, Hamish Stewart, Dylan Egan and Loko Pasifiki Tonga have all impressed in recent weeks and shape as key figures in the Dragons' rebuild.
A premiership winner as a player, Young stepped into coaching after retiring and has served as an assistant at the Dragons, Cowboys, NSW Blues and Tongan national side.
St George Illawarra CEO Tim Watsfrod is confident Young is the man to lead the team forward, with the decision unanimously endorsed by the club's board.
"We said from the outset that we would take the time needed to make the right decision for the club’s future," Watsford said. "This has been a structured process, and Dean has emerged as the candidate we believe is best placed to lead the next phase of our football program.
"Dean’s history with the Dragons is well known and respected, but that is not why he has been appointed. This decision is based on the strength of his football plan, his connection with players, his leadership of staff, his alignment with our pathways and recruitment strategy, and his understanding of what this club needs to become.
"We understand our members and supporters want results. So do we. Dean recognises the responsibility that comes with this role, and he will be supported by a football structure designed to drive standards, development and performance throughout the program."
