St George Illawarra coach Shane Flanagan has backed Dean Young to take a major step forward on his coaching journey as the NSW Blues assistant.
The Dragons assistant coach was appointed to the role for next season earlier this week, joining a Laurie Daley-led team that will also feature Craig Bellamy, Brett White and Matt King.
Flanagan enjoyed a similar experience early in his coaching career and he backed Young to thrive in the State of Origin environment.
"He's done a good job at the Dragons and then went to Tonga [as an assistant] and did a good job with Tonga and to get an opportunity with NSW Origin now is outstanding," Flanagan said at the unveiling of the team's new jersey for 2025.
"I got a chance with Craig Bellamy 20 years ago and I still have memories of it now. I learnt a lot from it and that's where Dean's at now. You're going to take a lot out of working with blokes like Craig and Laurie Daley.
"Just working with that type of athlete and being in that environment you come back as a better coach."
Finals moments: Young goes over
Young has quickly emerged as one of the hottest coaching prospects in the game after picking up the clipboard following his retirement in 2012.
The Dragons premiership winner has progressed through the club's coaching pathway since taking charge of the Illawarra Steelers SG Ball team in 2013.
He was first appointed to the role of NRL assistant coach in 2015, and has enjoyed two separate stints at the club, with three years at the Cowboys also thrown in.
Since his return to the Dragons, Young has worked closely with Flanagan as they have overhauled the team's roster and reshaped their playing style.
Finals moments: Father and Son
A hard-nosed hooker and lock with an appetite for hard work and relentless defence, the 41-year-old has incorporated a similar style at St George Illawarra.
Young has come close to earning a head coaching role on multiple occasions throughout the past few years, with Flanagan confident the top job at NRL level is not far away.
"No doubt," Flanagan said when asked if Young is a future head coach. "He's on the pathway. It's really important for me that young coaches don't rush.
"He's only young, if you have a bad year or things don't go your way, you're out the back door pretty quickly. He'll get his time but you have to make sure you're ready for it."
Young was well respected by Dragons players throughout his first stint at the club and it didn't take long for him to win over the squad upon his return last season.
Queensland Origin forward Jaydn Su'A credits the assistant for laying the foundation to a form surge that led to his Maroons recall last season.
Outstanding Su'A
The back rower is hoping to face off against Young throughout next year's series and knows just how much he will contribute to the Blues' bid to defend their title.
"He's the man," Su'A said. "When he first came in he was very tough and straightforward. I like that style.
"I'm pretty close to him now and we have a lot of honest conversations. That was a big reason for my development this year and I feel he'll do a great job [for NSW]. [As a Queenslander], hopefully not too good but I'm excited for him."
