Player swap twist could see Roosters land Dominic Young immediately

The Roosters are in negotiations with the Knights for a huge deal that could strengthen both clubs in the 2023 season.

England player Dominic Young (l) celebrates with Elliott Whitehead after scoring the second try during Rugby League World Cup 2021 Pool A match between England and Samoa at St. James Park on October 15, 2022 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

New recruit Dominic Young could join the Sydney Roosters in time for their season opener against the Dolphins on March 5 with news the club is in discussion for an immediate player swap with the Newcastle Knights.

The development, which comes just two days after news emerged the Roosters had beaten the Knights to his highly-sought-after signature, could potentially strengthen both teams for the 2023 season.

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The giant 21-year-old winger attracted interested from several NRL clubs throughout the off-season, including the Dolphins and Titans, following a Rugby League World Cup campaign in which he starred for England.

News of his departure to the glamour club from the 2024 season onwards was seen as a hammer blow by the Knights and their fans, and now it seems like the Hunter club is open to letting the young gun depart in time for the 2023 season opener, but it comes with a catch.

The Daily Telegraph’s Phil Rothfield is reporting the Knights are asking the Roosters for an established forward in exchange for allowing Young to leave his contract immediately.

The paper reports the Knights have so far been knocked back with their requests to sign either Nat or Egan Butcher from the Roosters.

Egan Butcherwas floated as a player swap option. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

While it is understood Young is happy to stay in Newcastle to complete the final year of his contract, both clubs can see the value in allowing the switch to happen as soon as possible.

The Roosters have a stacked roster for 2023, but could use Young’s rare mixture of size and speed in the centres where they possess relatively less firepower.

News Corp reported on Tuesday that the Roosters won the big-money race for Young’s signature after enacting a recruitment plan that involved the star being wined and dined by coach Trent Robinson.

Robinson also made a series of promises to Young during the meeting, according to foxsports.com.au, including the fact he could play in his preferred position of centre at the eastern suburbs club.

The Dolphins and Titans were keen on Newcastle's Dominic Young. NRL Imagery

Dom Young is heading to the Roosters.

Young reportedly received offers in excess of $500,000 per year, with the Dolphins and Titans two clubs who made particularly aggressive plays for his services.

It is understood the Knights also recently upped their offer to above the $500,000 per year mark.

However it was the lure of the Roosters and their habit of pushing from premiership success that ultimately sealed the deal for Young.

The announcement of Young’s signing could be the first domino to fall in a flurry of player moves ahead of the NRL season opener in two weeks’ time.

Titans powerhouse David Fifita is the biggest name in the off-contract list and is expected to decide between staying on the Gold Coast and switching to the Raiders in coming days.

The Raiders have chased Fifita hard in the off-season, tabling a three-year deal worth around $2.7 million for the 22-year-old.

You can read all the latest news on the Knights, Roosters potential player swap on The Daily Telegraph.

Originally published as Player swap twist could see Roosters land Dominic Young immediately