In a stunning shift at the Sydney Roosters, England winger Dom Young has been handed the assistant captaincy role for the upcoming 2025 NRL season, a position previously held by veteran playmaker Luke Keary. The 23-year-old, who is entering his second season with the club, has earned the recognition following an outstanding performance in his debut year.
Young’s meteoric rise in the NRL has been nothing short of impressive. Despite having limited experience in the Super League, he has quickly become one of the league’s most prolific wingers. In 2024, he scored 20 tries in 22 appearances, following a remarkable try-per-game average in 2023 that helped secure his move from the Newcastle Knights to the Roosters.
When asked by *The Daily Telegraph* about stepping into a leadership role, Young didn’t hesitate: “Why not? I’m comfortable with the week-to-week side of it now, and if I can help any of the young players, I’m more than happy to do so.” His leadership style is one driven by actions rather than words, and he’s keen to lead by example, especially in a backline that is undergoing significant changes ahead of the new season.
While the move to elevate Young to assistant captaincy may surprise some, Roosters head coach Trent Robinson believes the young star’s maturity and work ethic make him an ideal candidate. “Dom has shown incredible progression and professionalism in his short time here,” Robinson said. “His ability to lead through his performance and his approach to training has made him a natural choice for a more senior role.”
The decision to promote Young comes after a series of strong performances that left little doubt about his readiness to take on a bigger leadership responsibility. With the competition for spots in the Roosters’ backline fierce, Young knows he must continue to perform at his best, something he embraces wholeheartedly. “You have to train hard because you wanna keep your spot, and healthy competition is always good,” he said.
As for Keary, who has been a fixture in the Roosters’ leadership group for years, the transition is seen as a positive change for the club’s future. While Keary remains an integral part of the team, the promotion of Young signals a new era of leadership within the club.
In 2025, Dom Young will not only be looking to continue his prolific try-scoring form but now also carry the responsibility of guiding his teammates, particularly the younger players, as the Roosters aim to build on their success. The forward-looking approach is one that Roosters fans are eager to see unfold this season.
