Sydney Roosters recruit Dom Young in hospital after an infection spread to his brain

The Sydney Roosters’ key recruit is in the UK battling a ‘frightening’ infection that spread to his brain.

Roosters recruit Dom Young is recovering in hospital from a severe infection. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

Winger Dom Young is in hospital battling a “frightening” sinus infection that spread to his brain.

The 22-year-old, who is joining the Sydney Roosters from Newcastle next season on a four-year deal, will likely be in hospital for at least another week, The Daily Telegraph reports.

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The Englishman had been suffering headaches and a sinus infection when he recently flew to the United Kingdom to play for his country.

One of the stars of Newcastle’s run to the finals last season, Young’s condition worsened significantly due to the long flight and he was admitted to hospital more than a week ago.

Young missed England’s opening match against Tonga and is expected to be kept from the entire three-match series.

Roosters recruit Dom Young is recovering in hospital from a severe infection. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

At one stage, one of Young’s eyes closed completely and his infection needed to be drained.

But his manager Michael Cincotto said antibiotics are working and he should be fine to start pre-season with his new club next year.

“It’s a sinus infection so it’s brain related,” Cincotto said.

“It could have been bad or can be bad but his recovery, and the signs he is showing every day, it’s obvious the antibiotics are working.

“It was pretty frightening.”

Young made his debut for the Knights back in 2021 and earned his first England cap at the Rugby League World Cup the following year.

Young had a spectacular 2023 season for the Knights. (Photo by Brett Hemmings/Getty Images)

The imposing 200cm winger then had a breakout 2023 season, setting a new club record with 25 tries for Newcastle as the Knights made it all the way to the semi-finals, losing to the Warriors.

Cincotto spoke to Young on Sunday and says the major concerns have subsided.

“It’s come out of the blue and was something that definitely needed to be sorted,” he said. “It pushed his condition over the edge. He wasn’t good.

“Dom had severe headaches.

The young winger is said to be recovering well in hospital. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Jonathan Ng

“The flight exacerbated the infection, pushed it out and created this issue. Essentially it’s a sinus infection. It just went bang after the flight.

“He was admitted to hospital to get it checked out. He is doing well and there are really good signs.

“I had a really good chat with him yesterday and he said his recovery has been great, from where he was.

“Dom will be ready to go for the (NRL) season, without any doubt. There won’t be issues with that. He is walking around (in hospital) and there isn’t any real cause for concern.

“My gut feel is that he probably won’t play for England at all in these next couple of games.”