As 2010 premiership hero Dean Young looks to the Dragons exit - likely to join North Queensland next year - he's helped launch a new generation of NRL talent by throwing SG Ball title-winner Max Feagai a debut for Sunday's clash with finals-bound Newcastle.
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Young was overlooked as St George Illawarra coach after taking over in the interim from Paul McGregor, as the Dragons board instead signed Anthony Griffin on a two-year deal, with a third in the club's favour. At least three NRL clubs have shown interest in signing Young, but the Knights are in no rush to appoint a replacement for Dave Furner, who on Tuesday told Newcastle players he would join Trent Barrett at Canterbury next year.
The Knights have already spoken to Young on Monday about the job but coach Adam O'Brien indicated he will be patient to decide Dave Furner's replacement, who is expected to join Trent Barrett at Canterbury.
Ousted Dragons assistant Shane Flanagan joins the list of potential recruits at the Knights as well as Anthony Seibold, John Cartwright and Josh Hannay.
"Furnsy's only told the players today - we'll draw up a list and go from there. There are certainly a few options out there but there's a few clubs looking for assistants as well," he said.
It's understood North Queensland heads the race to sign Young, who appears certain to depart the Dragons, the club which he made his NRL debut for in 2003 and played a key role in Wayne Bennett's finals charge in 2010 before retiring.
With Feagai named, Cody Ramsay, a spark in St George Illawarra's crushing loss to Canberra with two tries in his first game, has retained his place, while NSW State of Origin representative forward Tariq Sims will return from a shoulder injury.
Feagai was part of the Steelers premiership team in a thrilling 34-23 grand final victory over Manly last year, before committing to the club until the end of the 2022 season.
"We have always been told the Dragons are a development club so the fact we are continuing to work our way through is very special," Feagai said when re-signing.
Tyrell Fuimaono and Billy Brittain (concussion) drop out of the line-up.
Out of the finals reckoning, the Dragons face the Knights at Newcastle, limping to the playoffs after the punishing 42-12 loss to defending premiers the Roosters.
They then meet Melbourne Storm in the final round at Kogarah.
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Tim Barrow
When it comes to sport - at professional and community level - in the Illawarra, I'm here to provide insight, context and opinion, as well as the latest news you won't find anywhere else.
When it comes to sport - at professional and community level - in the Illawarra, I'm here to provide insight, context and opinion, as well as the latest news you won't find anywhere else.
