James Tedesco is lauding Dominic Young for his toughness as the new Sydney Roosters winger heads to Las Vegas after allaying fears over a serious neck injury.
The Roosters have put a line through Young playing against the Brisbane Broncos in their season opener in Sin City on March 3 but have still taken him to the US where he will undergo rehabilitation work with the club's doctors.
Young was the victim of a crusher tackle in the Roosters’ trial against Manly on Saturday and left Central Coast Stadium in an ambulance while sporting a neck brace.
Thankfully the English winger has been cleared of any long-term injury and it is hoped Young, who scored 25 tries for Newcastle last year, will be fit and firing for their round-two clash with Manly.
"It’s disappointing (Young won’t play), he’s been really exciting over the pre-season," Tedesco said.
"He just really wants his hands on the ball and can score tries and make something out of nothing with his feet.
"I’ve been really impressed with how he carries the ball, he doesn’t shy away from the tough stuff.
“That’s what us at the Roosters are all about, taking those tough carries and getting us out of trouble and he does a really good job of that.
“I don’t think it’s as bad as first thought … so hopefully he’ll be right for round two.”
Young's injury has helped cure a temporary headache for Trent Robinson, who faces a three-way dilemma in dishing out two wing spots between favourite son Daniel Tupou, rugby union-bound Joseph Suaalii and new recruit Young.
“The depth we have there and the strength of our outside backs is going to be key for us and I think we're all going to have to play an important role for us to be successful,” Tedesco said.
The Roosters head to Las Vegas knowing they need to ditch their tendency to build slowly into the season.
Robinson’s men have not made a winning start to an NRL campaign since 2021, and will have the added motivation of starting the season on the right note as they prepare for Jared Waerea-Hargreaves's impending retirement.
The Kiwi prop, who is suspended for the Vegas trip, announced on Tuesday that 2024 will be his last year at the club.
"It won't be the same at the Roosters without Jared here," Tedesco said.
"He's one of the best guys you could meet and a true warrior on the field.
“We won’t see him in Vegas but I know he’s going to give it everything for his last year."
