Dean Young reveals why he moved Michael Ennis on, opens up on Dragons job

The Dragons now permanent head coach made a big call early in his interim tenure.

By Scott Pryde · Zero Tackle

Published: Friday, 9 October 2026 at 8:27 PM

Key Things to Know

Dean Young revealed he moved Michael Ennis on because the Dragons required new voices and a changed environment.
Young took over after former head coach Shane Flanagan was sacked during an 0-7 start to the 2026 season.
Young admitted taking the interim role was a major career risk given the squad's low confidence at the time.

The Story in 60 Seconds

St George Illawarra Dragons head coach Dean Young explained on The Bye Round Podcast that he moved assistant coach Michael Ennis on because the team needed new voices and an environmental change. Young took over the coaching role following Shane Flanagan's dismissal after an 0-7 start to the 2026 campaign.

Young acknowledged that accepting the position carried major personal risk, but his familiarity with the squad made him feel uniquely equipped to guide them. After shifting focus to fundamentals and internal connection alongside staff members Tom Eisenhuth and John Davy, the club has since signed six NRL-calibre players for the upcoming season.

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Dean Young reveals why he moved Michael Ennis on, opens up on Dragons job

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