I don't fear Fien challenge: Dean Young
After spending the past couple of seasons developing his skills as a hooker, Dean Young doesn't feel threatened by the imminent arrival of Kiwi international utility Nathan Fien.
Young is still expecting to spend some time at dummy-half, even if Fien is thrust into the Dragons line-up next weekend, but admitted it could be the catalyst to spending more time at lock, where he has played most of his career.
As St George Illawarra close in on a guaranteed finals berth, the 25-year-old said he was yet to have an in-depth discussion with coach Wayne Bennett about how Fien's introduction would affect the rest of his season.
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"He'll come here and do a bit of training and I'm sure he'll fit in well with our structure and how our team is doing and that's a decision for Wayne," Young said.
"I don't think my role will change; I think Wayne will continue to start me at hooker and at stages put me back to lock.
"I'm enjoying that role and I'm sure Fien, when he comes, will be a great addition.
"I think with Fien, Matty Head has been doing a great job as well, and we've got Luke Priddis there too, and the more those blokes play hooker, the more I can go in the back-row and I enjoy that role."
Fien will meet the Dragons players on Sunday before having his first training session with the squad at WIN Stadium on Monday morning.
For now, though, Young's focus is firmly fixed upon tonight's match against the Roosters at WIN Jubilee Oval and overcoming the Roosters, who showed improved form in disposing of the Sharks last weekend.
The Roosters will be fired up for the clash after the 29-0 hiding they copped from a Jamie Soward-inspired St George Illawarra on Anzac Day.
With NSW State of Origin prop Michael Weyman sidelined for six weeks with an ankle injury, Young admits it will be a big test for the Dragons forward pack against big-name Roosters such as Willie Mason, Nate Myles and Craig Fitzgibbon.
Prop Jon Green has been brought into the starting line-up in Weyman's place, with talented National Youth Cup front-rower Trent Merrin on the bench.
"He's a good kid (Merrin); he's only had one (NRL) game this year, so he'll be ready to go, jumping out of his skin," Young said.
"And it's good to have that enthusiasm.
"(The Roosters have) got some big boppers - Willie Mason and Fitzy - so it'll be a good test for him."
