Senior St George Illawarra Dragons players Damien Cook and Clint Gutherson have expressed strong support for interim coach Dean Young to be appointed as the club’s next head coach. Both players have praised Young for guiding the team through a period of transition and fostering a stronger defensive identity despite a challenging season.

The club is currently taking a measured approach to the coaching appointment, with Young and South Sydney assistant coach Ben Hornby identified as the leading candidates for the role. The Dragons' management has emphasized the importance of carefully considering the decision rather than rushing the process.

Cook highlighted the significance of consistent performance and connection within the team, noting that recent games have shown signs of improvement. “We haven’t had many wins this year but over the last month, especially the last two back-to-back games, we’re really finding our DNA and how we defend. It’s about us consistently doing that on the field,” he said. He added that Young has done well to instil these qualities and suggested that the club should look closely at the coach already within the system.

Both Cook and Gutherson also pointed to an NRL apology for two critical refereeing errors that occurred during the Dragons’ 24-16 loss to the Canberra Raiders last weekend, suggesting these mistakes should be taken into account when evaluating Young’s performance. According to the Dragons, the NRL acknowledged via email that Raiders player Simi Sasagi knocked on a pass from Dragons halfback Kyle Flanagan before it reached Xavier Savage, who then ran 80 metres to score a try. Additionally, Savage was not penalised for pushing Valentine Holmes while the Dragons fullback was attempting to ground the ball from a kick during what would have been the opening try of the match. Instead, the Raiders were awarded a 20-metre restart.

Cook expressed sympathy for the team’s supporters, saying that fans have endured a tough year and deserved better outcomes than what was delivered, partly due to the refereeing errors. “We appreciate they admit they did get it wrong but mostly I feel sorry for our fans. They are the ones that deserve it, if not more than us,” he said.

Gutherson acknowledged that the refereeing blunders could influence the club’s decision but maintained that Young’s impact has been positive. “It’s very hard to take over and change things but the way he’s gone about it, the way he’s spoken about the team and the belief he’s shown in us, I know my form is heaps better than what it was at the start of the year,” Gutherson said. He praised Young for his communication skills and ability to motivate players, particularly younger squad members, and noted that the coach’s message has emphasized the importance of winning rather than simply competing.

The final decision on the Dragons’ head coach appointment is expected to balance recent team performance, the challenges faced this season, and the progress made under Young’s guidance.