RUGBY LEAGUE
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St George Illawarra 2010 premiership hero Dean Young's sharp rise through the coaching ranks has continued after being appointed Paul McGregor's assistant for next year.
Young will become a full-time counsel to McGregor in the NRL, with Ben Hornby to continue his role as National Youth Cup under-20 coach, as well as on-field Dragons trainer.
The Dragons will also rely on the experienced voice of Ian Millward who coached St Helens, Wigan and Castleford in the UK Super League before returning to the NRL and is McGregor's senior assistant.
"Both Ben and Dean have a strong work ethic which was reflected in the way they coached the Dragons National Youth Competition team who ended up reaching the preliminary final this season," McGregor said in a statement.
"They understand first-hand the expectations that comes with representing such a proud club and are aware of what we need to do to meet them."
Young was the face of the Dragons' remarkable surge to the 2010 title, a standout in the preliminary final and ensuring grand final victory against the Roosters with a secondhalf try at ANZ Stadium.
The announcements on Sunday come as St George Illawarra return to preseason training this week.
It is McGregor's first full year in charge, taking over from Steve Price midway through last season.
The Dragons are expected to sign ex-Manly and Melbourne prop George Rose, while they are also attempting to secure Russell Packer, who is in jail for assault.
McGregor and new recruitment manager Peter Mulholland are in the process of an overhaul of their playing roster, which resulted in Brett Morris's move to the Bulldogs to play alongside his twin brother Josh.
The Dragons have appointed Mark Andrew as new high performance manager, with the respected NSW State of Origin physiotherapist now head of medical science at the club.
St George Illawarra's return to training comes before the expanded World Club Series, against premiers South Sydney and Brisbane, as well as Wigan, St Helens and Warrington.