Dean Young unveils his initial actions following his appointment, reveals Shane Flanagan had reached his limit.

Dean Young wasted no time in making changes after being informed by Dragons management that he would be stepping in as the interim head coach.

His first task was to return home and tell his wife to “buckle up” for the rollercoaster ride ahead, before apologising to his three children for the chaos that was about to unfold. Following that, he drove over to Kade Reed’s home to inform the promising 20-year-old playmaker that he would be making his NRL debut against the Roosters on Anzac Day, replacing Kyle Flanagan.

During his inaugural press conference as coach on Tuesday afternoon, Young disclosed that Shane Flanagan confided in him after their loss to South Sydney on Saturday night, stating he had “had enough”.

Dragons chairman Andrew Lancaster and CEO Tim Watsford officially informed Young around 5:30 pm on Monday that he would be taking over from Flanagan as the head coach in an interim capacity, following the termination of the 60-year-old’s contract.

Reed, who hails from the Western Suburbs Red Devils and the Dragons academy, is set to start at halfback alongside five-eighth Daniel Atkinson at Allianz Stadium on Saturday, while Flanagan has been relegated to the extended bench as cover for the halves and hooker Damien Cook.

“I felt it was essential for his parents to understand why I’m giving him this opportunity,” Young said regarding Reed.

“There might be critics who say that being 0-7 [zero wins and seven losses in 2026] and throwing a kid in on debut on Anzac Day is a risky move.

“However, I wouldn’t consider it if I didn’t have faith in him. I want him to know I believe in his potential, and for his parents to be assured that I am committed to his development and see him as a significant part of our future.”

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“I’m not sure if it’s my influence, but change is integral,” Young remarked about replacing Flanagan with Reed.

“Our current trajectory is not leading us to success. We keep falling short despite holding leads in games, and we need a reset.”

“I believe Kade will perform well, but Kade Reed is not the solution to all our issues. He’ll require support from the 16 players on the field this weekend to excel.”

Young opted not to disclose the specifics surrounding Flanagan’s dismissal.

“I discussed the rationale with him, which remains confidential between us, and I will meet with him tomorrow,” Young mentioned.

“He is supportive of whatever the team requires.”

“I share a strong rapport with him.”

In reference to Shane Flanagan, Young added: “I was fighting alongside Shane as hard as I could until the end. After the game [on Saturday night], he informed me he had reached his limit, which I completely understand.”

Just a day after Flanagan and Ben Haran were relieved of their positions as head coach and general manager of football, Young took the difficult decision to part ways with assistant coach Michael Ennis.

“That was tough, to be honest,” Young admitted.

“As I’ve said before, delivering opportunities for young talent is the best part of coaching, while letting someone go is the hardest aspect of the job.”

“I have known Mick for a long time. We played together back in 2005 [for the Dragons]. I’ve built a good relationship with him.

“Regrettably, he is part of the necessary changes. We need a reset; we must change our outlook and our feelings toward the game.”

“I hold no ill will towards him as a coach. I believe he could be a strong head coach in the future.”

“But at this juncture, I require different perspectives and for the players to feel a fresh approach.”

Supporting Young in his new role will be NSW Cup coach Willie Taulau, whose responsibilities have been extended, along with former Dragons forward Tom Eisenhuth, who retired from playing in May last year.