Dom Young transfers from Roosters to Knights, Victor Radley suffers another head knock

The bizarre world of the rugby league transfer market was in full swing this weekend, with Dom Young playing as a Rooster before waking up on Sunday morning as a Newcastle Knight.

Dom Young packed all his belongings. Drove to Newcastle. Put all his possessions into Knights’ player Kai Pearce-Paul’s house and then proceeded to play the Knights as a Rooster.

The bizarre world of the rugby league transfer market was in full swing on Saturday night where Young featured as a Rooster woke up a Newcastle Knight player. The Sydney The Roosters confirmed the release of Young from his contract on Monday morning.

Young leaves the Roosters having played 31 games for the club since the start of the 2024 season.

“Dom is a talented athlete and a great person,” Roosters head of recruitment Daniel Anderson said.

“We thank Dom for his contributions to the Roosters and wish him all the best for the future.”

Dom Young played his final game for the Roosters. Picture: NRL Photos

Young takes up a two-and-a-half year contract at the Knights.

“I would be lying to say it wasn’t a weird one coming to the game with the circumstances,” Young said. “I appreciate the Roosters. They have been really good to me. I am grateful for the opportunity they have given me. I really enjoyed my last game

“I have a lot of good memories at Newcastle. It brings that excitement that I am going to Newcastle as well.

“It was a little bit weird. I still had a job to do because I was a Rooster and I tried to do my best every time I put the jersey on. It was the same tonight regardless of the circumstances.

“I wanted to finish on a high and finish with a win

“It’ a good thing for me being back in Newcastle. We still have a big year ahead. I am really excited – I have a lot of good relationships in Newcastle.

“I know everyone. It’ll be awesome even though moving mid-season wasn’t ideal.”

Young had limited opportunities in his final showing at the Roosters. He made a first half line-break and almost laid on a try for James Tedesco before the Knights scrambled defensively.

He will move in with Pearce-Paul at least in the short-term.

“My mate KPP is putting me up for a little bit,” Young said. “I have to put up with him for a couple of weeks. I drove all my stuff up. I’ll be in (Newcastle’s) review on Monday. We’ll see what happens.”

Radley suffers another head knock

The immediate playing future of Victor Radley is once again of major concern after suffering another head knock.

The fearless Roosters forward failed his Head Injury Assessment (HIA) after suffering a concussion while making a tackle during his team’s hard-fought win over the Knights in Newcastle on Saturday night.

Victor Radley suffered another head knock against the Knights. Picture: NRL Photos

Radley spun awkwardly out of the collision after attempting a leg’s tackle on Knights fullback Fletcher Hunt in the 34th minute.

The Roosters trainer rushed immediately to Radley, who tried valiantly to retreat into the defensive line.

After being assessed, the 27-year-old was sent from the field for a HIA, before he was then ruled out for the rest of the game.

Earlier this year Fox League commentator Steve Roach questioned Radley’s tackle technique after he suffered a head knock in round one against the Broncos and again in round three against the Warriors.

“It’s got to worry you a little bit about the technique of Victor,’’ Roach said earlier this season.

“He goes in at one hundred miles per hour in every tackle he makes but he’s got to adjust that tackling technique just a little bit.”

Of most concern is the mounting number of head knocks Radley has suffered during his 151-game career.

Victor Radley’s concussion numbers continue to grow. Picture: Scott Gardiner/Getty Images

According to the records of NRL Physio Brian Seeney, Radley has endured seven concussions or failed HIA’s in the past four seasons.

More recently, he has undergone five HIA’s, according to Seeney, and failed two.

Under the NRL’s concussion protocols, Radley will be forced to stand down from playing rugby league for 11-days.

But given their history and care for players who have suffered a similar run of concussions, including former captain’s Boyd Cordner and Jake Friend, the Roosters will undoubtedly treat the latest head knock of Radley’s with extreme caution.

-David Riccio

Originally published as Dom Young transfers from Roosters to Knights, Victor Radley suffers another head knock