Andrew Johns Supports Dean Young as Dragons Coach
Andrew Johns has strongly advocated for St George Illawarra to retain Dean Young as head coach beyond this season. Young took over as interim coach following the departure of Shane Flanagan last month, but the team has struggled, losing all three games under his leadership. The club’s losing streak now stretches to 15 consecutive matches, with their latest defeat coming against the Warriors.
In a post-game interview with the media, Young encouraged fans to continue supporting the team as they work to rebuild from the ground up after years of underperformance. “I know they’re in a tough spot and we appreciate all the fans turning up tonight, where we’re sitting on the ladder and to have so many of those fans turn up, pay their hard-earned and sit in the pouring rain,” said the 2010 premiership winner. “We appreciate it, we’ve got a fan day tomorrow and all the boys are going to be thanking everyone that turns up tomorrow … stay with us, we’re building.”
Johns has expressed his support for Young, believing that the arrival of top-tier players next year will help the coach secure his position. “St George Illawarra fans and powers that be at the club, do not judge Dean Young on the way they’re playing at the moment,” he said on Nine’s Sunday Footy Show. “He’s inherited a roster that in some positions, just aren’t up to it. They’ve gotta give him a start next year.”
Johns highlighted the potential impact of new signings, such as Scott Drinkwater, who joined the club. “He’s got Scott Drinkwater to the club and I’ve got no doubt he’s gone there because Dean Young coached him at the Cowboys. Luke Metcalf is coming, there’s gonna be a run threat and Keaon Koloamatangi is gonna be there with that really young potential forward pack. Just give Dean a start next year, he needs to be given a start.”
Other names being considered for the long-term coaching role include Ben Hornby and Brad Arthur, with a decision expected soon. The recent loss exposed weaknesses in the Dragons’ attack, with the halves pairing of Kyle Flanagan and Daniel Atkinson failing to perform consistently. NRL legend Luke Lewis described the performance as “the worst attack he’s ever seen” on ABC Radio, as the team managed only two tries despite having several good-ball opportunities.
Johns urged the coaching staff to make changes in the short term before the arrival of Metcalf and Drinkwater for the 2027 season. “Their attack last night was just so poor,” he said. “I think they’ve gotta tweak the structure of how they play and don’t just play traditional … they’ve gotta mix it up and do something. Their attack from first receiver is sideways and there’s no run threat at all and the defence doesn’t feel any sort of pressure.”
He noted that the team looked better when playing through Luciano Leilua. “You can’t change the personnel right now, you’ve gotta change the actual structure.”
The winless Saints will face reigning premiers Brisbane at Suncorp Stadium next week.
