England's Rugby League World Cup hopes have taken a significant hit with the confirmation that emerging star Dom Young will miss the crucial final Ashes Test against Australia due to a broken foot.
The devastating blow comes just as the 21-year-old was establishing himself as a key weapon in England's arsenal, having scored an impressive four tries across the first two matches of the series.
Young's absence forces a major reshuffle in England's backline, with coach Shaun Wane now facing selection headaches ahead of the series decider at Wigan's DW Stadium.
The injury occurred during Young's club commitments with the Newcastle Knights in the NRL, where medical scans revealed the fracture that will sideline him for approximately six weeks.
"It's absolutely gutting for Dom and for the team," Wane told reporters. "He's been phenomenal for us this series and was really hitting his stride. This changes our planning significantly for the decider."
Young's remarkable rise through the ranks has been one of the tournament's standout stories. The towering winger only made his international debut last autumn but quickly became a fan favourite with his powerful running and clinical finishing.
Potential replacements include seasoned veterans Tommy Makinson and Ryan Hall, both of whom bring considerable experience to the position. However, neither can fully replicate the unique combination of size, speed, and aerial ability that made Young such a threat.
The third and final Test now becomes a must-win encounter for England, who will be desperate to claim the Ashes on home soil without one of their most dynamic attacking weapons.
