St George Illawarra Dragons to appoint Dean Young as head coach
July 20, 2026 — 3:44pmYou have reached your maximum number of saved items.Remove items from your saved list to add more.Dean Young has been appointed St George Illawarra head coach on a two-year deal after holding off a challenge from former premiership-winning teammate Ben Hornby.The Dragons confirmed on Monday afternoon that the club’s board and shareholders “unanimously endorsed” Young’s appointment permanent head coach for 2027 and 2028.The Dragons board met on Monday morning and heard a presentation on the candidates for the position from CEO Tim Watsford, who has led interviews with Rabbitohs assistant Hornby and at least one other candidate who progressed to the final stage of the application process.Young has been in charge of the Dragons in an interim capacity since predecessor Shane Flanagan was sacked in mid-April.AdvertisementSt George-Illawarra’s 2-8 record under Young belies the side’s competitiveness since late May, with Saturday’s tense loss to the high-flying Warriors – in which several contentious refereeing calls went against the Dragons – the latest in a string of improved performances.Young has also had public support from numerous Dragons players including co-captains Clint Gutherson and Damien Cook, as well as incoming marquee recruit Scott Drinkwater.“Leading this great club is a privilege, but I understand that it also comes with responsibility and pressure,” Young said.“I have experienced success and failure in this game, as both a player and a coach. Those experiences have given me the confidence to lead this club back to where it belongs.Advertisement“I want our fans to be proud of our football team. Proud of how hard we compete and how consistent we are. It’s my job to create an environment that delivers these values. We have only just started to see the potential of this team. There’s a lot more work to be done.”Young and 2010 Dragons premiership-winning captain Hornby led a two-horse race for the head coaching job and were both interviewed by club officials multiple times.Under St George Illawarra’s constitution, a representative from both the club’s shareholders, St George District Rugby League Football Club and WIN billionaire Bruce Gordon, must agree on major changes like a coaching appointment.Young, 42, has been mindful of tamping down any public push from the St George faction of the club given his father and Dragons great Craig Young holds significant influence on that side of the merger.Advertisement“Dean’s history with the Dragons is well known and respected, but that is not why he has been appointed,” Watsford said.“This decision is based on the strength of his football plan, his connection with players, his leadership of staff, his alignment with our pathways and recruitment strategy, and his understanding of what this club needs to become.”The Dragons’ steady improvement – spearheaded by young forwards Dylan Egan, Hamish Stewart and the Couchman brothers – has provided cause for optimism despite a last-place finish looming this season.Rabbitohs representative star Keaon Koloamatangi and Drinkwater headline St George Illawarra’s signings for next season, along with Warriors half Luke Metcalf, Roosters utility Connor Watson and Gold Coast veteran Phillip Sami.AdvertisementYou have reached your maximum number of saved items.Remove items from your saved list to add more.More:NRL 2026St George Illawarra DragonsDan Walsh is a sports reporter for The Sydney Morning Herald.Connect via X or email.
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