Dom Young could follow Joseph Suaalii to rugby as Roosters star's agent makes telling call
The Roosters winger could follow his former teammate to rugby union.
Roosters star Dominic Young could be the latest NRL player to make the switch to rugby union, with his manager revealing it is something the winger is open to. Young's manager Michael Cincotta told The Telegraph that the 23-year-old winger had already seriously considered the prospect of playing rugby before ultimately deciding to move to Australia to play in the NRL in 2021 and says he would be open to offers to make the jump to the 15-man code.
Young is contracted to the Roosters until the end of 2027 after scoring 20 tries in his first season at the club following a 43-try stint in just 51 games over three years at Newcastle. And his loss would be a tough pill to swallow for Tri Colours fans, who are preparing to go into 2025 without Joseph Suaalii and Joey Manu, who have both decided to take up rugby contracts.
"There’s always been strong interest from rugby union for Dom," Cincotta said. "There were some discussions before Dom began his NRL career. It's certainly something that will be considered down the track if it’s the right opportunity. Dom is an exceptional athlete and would make a seamless switch with his game-breaking ability.
"Dom has only scratched the surface of what he is capable of. If he transitioned to rugby union, he would undoubtedly draw significant attention and elevate interest in the sport. Dom is box office."
Dom Young and Herbie Farnworth identified as rugby targets
Young’s potential interest in becoming a dual international comes on the back of Suaalii's stunning Test debut for the Wallabies last weekend in the win over England. And record-breaking former England winger Martin Offiah says England coach Steve Borthwick has identified Young as a player he wants to poach.
On top of his 63 tries in 73 matches at NRL level, Young has nine tries in just six outings for England's national side. And his strength and speed make him a handful for defenders, with Offiah likening him to former NRL and Wallabies winger Lote Tuqiri. Offiah also believes Dolphins centre Herbie Farnworth, who also was part of England's recent 2-0 series win over Samoa, was another NRL star who could seamlessly transition to the 15-man code.
“I think Dom Young and Herbie Farnworth have without a doubt a skill set that would allow them to thrive in rugby union and play for England – Dom on the wing and Herbie at fullback or centre. You could compare Young and Farnworth to the likes of Lote Tuqiri and Wendell Sailor,” he told The Telegraph.
“Even here in England, two of England’s greatest-ever outside backs are rugby league converts in two former Wigan wingers Jason Robinson and Chris Ashton. There’s definitely mileage in the prospect of Young and Farnworth crossing codes at some point.”
