Young to retire

St George hooker Dean Young has opted to retire from the end of the season due to an on-going knee problem.

Young, who scored a try in the 2010 Grand Final victory over the Sydney Roosters, has a year left on his contract but has decided to call it a day.

The 28-year-old  has been battling with injuries for the last six years and says he can only train for a limited time.

“I would love to continue on forever but unfortunately my knee just won’t afford me that opportunity,” said Young.

“I am now at the point where all I can really do each week is six sets of ball work and I am really grateful to the Dragons medical staff and my team-mates for the way that they deal with me.”

Young made the Australia squad for the 2010 Four Nations and made his NSW Blues debut against Queensland a year later.

“It was a dream come true to represent Australia and mentally I was on a high, especially off the back of winning the Premiership but my knee wasn’t up to it,” said Young.

“I know that once you retire that is it and I just wasn’t comfortable with it ending last year.

“In the back of my head I would have always wondered if I could still compete if I had a good rest and lead-up to the season.

Added Young: “I will be able to retire with no regrets, giving my best for the club this year.”

Young has made 192 NRL appearances to date, after making his Dragons debut against Parramatta in 2003.