July 20, 2026 — 3:44pmDean Young is set to be appointed as St George Illawarra head coach after holding off a challenge from former premiership-winning teammate Ben Hornby.Sources speaking on the condition of anonymity given the appointment is still to be formalised have told this masthead that Young will be installed as the Dragons’ permanent head coach on a multi-year deal.Dean Young is set to be formally appointed as the Dragons full-time coach.GettyThe Dragons board met on Monday morning and heard a presentation of coaching candidates from CEO Tim Watsford, who has led the club’s interview and application process.Young has been in charge of the Dragons as interim coach since predecessor Shane Flanagan was sacked in mid-April.St George-Illawarra’s 2-8 record under Young belies the side’s competitiveness since late May, with Saturday’s tense loss to the high-flying Warriors – in which several dubious refereeing calls went against the Dragons – the latest in a string of improved performances.Young has also had public support to be appointed full-time from numerous Dragons players including co-captains Clint Gutherson and Damien Cook, as well as incoming marquee recruit Scott Drinkwater.Ben Hornby (left) and Dean Young pictured together after their final game for the Dragons in 2012.Dave TeaseYoung and 2010 Dragons premiership-winning captain Hornby led a two-horse race for the head coaching job and were both interviewed by club officials multiple times.At least one other contender was also interviewed by the coaching committee that has been headed up by Watsford.Under St George Illawarra’s constitution, a representative from both the club’s shareholders must agree on major changes like a coaching appointment, meaning the St George District Rugby League Football Club and Bruce Gordon’s shareholding need to reach an agreement.Young, 42, has however been mindful of tamping down any public push from the St George faction of the club given his father and Dragons great Craig Young holds significant influence on that side of the merger.The Dragons steady improvement – particularly among young forwards Dylan Egan, Hamish Stewart and the Couchman brothers – has provided cause for optimism despite a last-place finish looming this season.Rabbitohs representative star Keaon Koloamatangi and Cowboys fullback Scott Drinkwater headline St George Illawarra’s signings for next season, along with Warriors half Luke Metcalf, Roosters utility Connor Watson and Gold Coast veteran Phillip Sami.St George Illawarra host the Gold Coast on Sunday at Jubilee Stadium and sit three wins behind the Titans on the ladder.Dan Walsh is a sports reporter for The Sydney Morning Herald.Connect via X or email.From our partners