Huge Knights blow as Dominic Young decides NRL future

Knights winger Dominic Young has made a bombshell call on his future in a move that’s expected to spark a player market frenzy.

The Dolphins are circling Newcastle's Dominic Young. NRL Imagery

The Roosters have landed another gigantic blow in the NRL player market, signing highly-regarded Knights winger Dominic Young for the 2024 season and onwards.

The giant 21-year-old winger attracted interested from several NRL clubs throughout the off-season, following a Rugby League World Cup campaign in which he starred for England amid a run to the semi-finals.

However News Corp reports the Roosters won the race for the Englishmen after enacting a recruitment plan that involved being wined and dined by coach Trent Robinson.

Young’s manager Michael Cincotta told News Corp over the weekend that Young was ready to make his decision following months of weighing up rival offers.

“It’s an important, long-term decision for Dominic in the context of his career,” Concetta said.

“The decision will be made this week so he’s completely focused on preparing for round one.”

The news is a hammer blow for the Knights who’ve struggled in the player recruitment market in recent seasons.

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Dominic Young starred for England at the Rugby League World Cup. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

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

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.

David Fifita could be the next domino to fall. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

Amid rumours Fifita was leaning towards staying at the Titans, Raiders coach Ricky Stuart insisted his club was still in the race for Fifita’s signing.

“I’ve had time with David and his family,” Stuart told foxsports.com.au.

“David’s got a big decision to make and we’ve told him why we believe he’d be a perfect fit at the Raiders.

“We’re very fortunate that we’ve got an extremely experienced, talented forward pack and adding David would only make us even stronger.

“I’ve told David I believe our leaders could really benefit him.

“I don’t want to play it out in the media and we’ll give David the space he needs to make his decision.”

Originally published as Huge Knights blow as Dominic Young decides NRL future