St George Illawarra Dragons near new coach hire as Essendon interim coach faces uncertainty

The St George Illawarra Dragons are close to appointing a full‑time head coach after a final round of interviews that included interim coach Dean Young and former premiership captain Ben Hornby. The selection panel, led by CEO Tim Watsford, will present candidates to the club’s board, with the joint‑venture’s shareholders needing to agree on the appointment. Young, who has a 2‑7 record as interim, and Hornby, a former assistant at South Sydney, are among the frontrunners, while at least one other contender was also interviewed.

In the Australian Football League, Essendon’s interim coach Dean Solomon remains focused on the club’s immediate performance amid calls for a permanent appointment. Solomon says the role “consumes” him and has not decided whether he will apply for the full‑time job. Meanwhile, former Bombers captain James Hird has expressed interest in returning as head coach, adding to speculation about the club’s future direction after six straight losses, including a 90‑point defeat to Brisbane. The club is at risk of finishing last for the first time since 2016.