Dean Young has stepped into the role of interim head coach for the Dragons, following the dismissal of Shane Flanagan. After receiving the news from chairman Andrew Lancaster and CEO Tim Watsford, Young first went home to prepare his family for the upcoming chaos and then delivered the exciting news to promising 20-year-old playmaker Kade Reed, who will make his NRL debut against the Roosters on Anzac Day, replacing Kyle Flanagan.
During his first press conference, Young explained that following the Dragons’ disappointing loss to South Sydney, Flanagan expressed he had “had enough”. Young commented that he wanted Reed’s parents to understand the reasoning behind giving their son this opportunity, despite the team’s winless streak.
While many may question the decision to debut Reed under these circumstances, Young asserted his confidence in the young player, emphasising the need for change given the club’s lack of progress. He highlighted that while Reed is not the sole solution for the club’s challenges, he believes he can make a positive impact alongside the other players.
Young refrained from detailing the reasons for Flanagan’s departure but reiterated a good relationship with him, stating that they were both fighting hard until the end. Furthermore, he recently made the difficult decision to end Michael Ennis’s role as an assistant coach as part of the change in direction for the club. Young acknowledged the challenge of such announcements, especially to someone he has known for years.
In his vision for the team, Young has brought in additional support, including Willie Taulau, the NSW Cup coach, and former Dragons player Tom Eisenhuth, who is now part of the coaching staff. They will aid him in reinvigorating a team that has struggled significantly in the current season. Overall, Young appears motivated to lead the Dragons through this turbulent period, focusing on restructuring and harnessing the potential of promising young talent like Reed.