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‘I do not regret my decision’: Young stands down as fallout from Finch letter continues

Craig Young’s decision to write a character reference for Brett Finch using a St George Illawarra letterhead has seen him stand down from the club’s board.

Craig Young has stepped down as Dragons chairman. Picture; NRL Imagery
Craig Young has stepped down as Dragons chairman. Picture; NRL Imagery

St George Illawarra’s turbulent off-season has continued with chairman Craig Young announcing he’s stepped down from his position after a controversial letter supporting troubled former NRL star Brett Finch.

Young was condemned by the Dragons in October for providing Finch with a character reference using the club’s letterhead during his court battle after being charged with allegedly sharing child abuse material.

The St George legend apologised for his “error of judgement” but said he did not regret providing the character reference for Finch – a long-time family friend – who is trying to avoid a jail sentence.

“I have this afternoon advised my colleagues of the board of the St George Illawarra Dragons of my decision to stand down as a director of the club immediately,” Young said.

“I believe it is in the best interests of the club – the interests I have always proudly sought to work for and positively represent.

“I believe this is the appropriate action, given my individual decision to provide a personal reference on official letterhead, for which I have already apologised.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - NewsWire Photos OCTOBER 18, 2022: Brett Finch pictured leaving Downing Centre Courts today. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Swift
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - NewsWire Photos OCTOBER 18, 2022: Brett Finch pictured leaving Downing Centre Courts today. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Swift

“I regret my error in judgement to provide the reference on letterhead, at the request of legal representatives.

“I do not regret my decision to provide a character reference for a long-time family friend as to his character and behaviour, prior to a damaging addiction.”

WIN CEO Andrew Lancaster will replace Young as chairman in a move that had already been planned as part of a joint venture agreement.

Originally published as ‘I do not regret my decision’: Young stands down as fallout from Finch letter continues

Original URL: https://www.thechronicle.com.au/sport/nrl/i-do-not-regret-my-decision-young-stands-down-as-fallout-from-finch-letter-continues/news-story/9b6ed0ab2686c15187effdbac81224b7