Phil Gould has issued a call to action for Kade Reed’s teammates as the young Dragon prepares for a challenging NRL debut on Anzac Day, emphasising the need for “great protective responsibility”. Gould highlighted the urgent role of interim coach Dean Young in restoring the players’ confidence and careers amidst the negativity of social media criticism, which he described as “absolutely toxic”.
On Saturday, Reed, only 20 years old, will step onto Allianz Stadium for his first NRL match in front of a crowd of 40,000, taking over from Kyle Flanagan as the team’s first-choice halfback. Young, a key figure from the Dragons’ 2010 premiership team, made the decision to replace Flanagan soon after being appointed as head coach earlier this week.
Gould remarked on the boldness of Young’s choice, expressing confidence in Reed’s talent based on his performances in lower leagues. He emphasised the importance of promoting young players not just for their own benefit, but to inspire the rest of the team to take greater responsibility. “Kade isn’t here to save us; it’s on the team to make his transition smoother,” Gould stated.
He acknowledged that opposition teams, starting with the Roosters, are likely to target Reed, particularly referencing the physical threat posed by Roosters’ Angus Crichton. However, Gould believes this could foster a stronger bond within the Dragons, while highlighting the pressing need for team unity in protecting their rookie halfback.
The general manager of football at Canterbury expressed optimism that Reed could inject much-needed energy into the struggling Dragons, although he does not foresee an immediate turnaround akin to Manly’s resurgence under Kieran Foran. The key for Young will be rekindling the players’ belief in themselves and one another.
Gould pointed out the significant pressure on players due to the environment of social media, noting the detrimental impact of toxic commentary on both players’ performance and morale. He noted Young’s unique understanding of the challenges players face, given his own experiences, and the responsibility he bears in helping restore their confidence.
While Gould indicated that the Dragons have the potential to achieve victories, he noted that they are in a more precarious situation than the Sea Eagles were before they let go of Anthony Seibold. “Dean Young has a challenging role ahead,” Gould concluded, affirming Young’s passion for nurturing local talent and the vital need to foster confidence and cohesion within the team as a foundational step towards improvement.