Roosters speedster Dominic Young could be the next NRL star to jump codes with his manager revealing that the talented winger could be open to a “seamless switch” at some stage in his career.
Young’s manager Michael Cincotta told The Telegraph in London that the 23-year-old winger had already considered switching to rugby before he opted to come to Australia to play in the NRL in 2021 and would be open to offers down the track.
He 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.
“There’s always been strong interest from rugby union for Dom,” Cincotta said.
“There were some discussions prior to Dom beginning 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.”
Young’s potential interest in becoming a dual international comes on the back of his former Roosters teammate Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii’s stunning Test debut for the Wallabies last weekend in the win over England.
On top of his 63 tries in 73 matches at NRL level, Young has scored nine in just six outings for England, including the first Test win over Samoa recently before missing the return bout with a hand injury.
Record-breaking former England winger Martin Offiah said England coach Steve Borthwick had identified Young as the main target in the NRL that he would love to lure to the 15-player code.
Offiah added that Dolphins centre Herbie Farnworth, who also represented England in the recent 2-0 series win over Samoa, was another NRL star who could make the grade as a dual international.
“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.”