"To myself, but I think everyone to be honest," the 20-year-old winger told the Newcastle Herald.

Young was pleased to bounce back from a whirlwind debut and injury to play five more games last year, but he wasn't satisfied. We were yet to see the best of him.

Toohey's News: Listen to Barry Toohey's new podcast in your Podcast app

"I was kind of happy playing last year, but I still felt like I could have done more. I wanted to prove what I was really about," Young said.

A part-Jamaican the Knights recruited from the north of England, Young was basically unheard of in Australia when he signed a top-30 contract with the club as an 18 year old. He played two games for Super League side Huddersfield across two seasons before joining Newcastle at the end of 2020.

Expecting to have to work his way into first grade last year, Young made his debut in round three. It came only a few months after the then 19 year old had moved halfway around the world to chase his NRL dream.

Looking back, Young admits his debut against Wests Tigers, who the Knights face on Sunday, came sooner than he expected.

It was an appearance that left Knights fans knowing the name Dom Young, but asking if this rangy, dread-locked back was ready for the NRL.

It was a question Young contemplated himself.

"[It] was the first time I had to deal with a bit of doubt, and I guess that you could say it got to me a little bit," the Englishman recalled.

"It didn't bother me too much, but it was the first time I've had to deal with it."

Young's debut seeded doubt that grew into motivation to prove he belonged.

He played a further five games after his debut and scored four tries in a year that most would consider a handy knock for a rookie, but he had higher expectations.

As he embarked on his second preseason, Young set himself a goal of earning a starting spot in round one.

He was rewarded for his efforts in a trial against the Bulldogs and put his best foot forward, scoring one try and going close for a couple more. He played left wing that game, but after Hymel Hunt suffered a PCL injury Young shifted to the right for the trial against the Storm.

It was where he would stay for round one and impress in the Knights' 20-6 victory over the Sydney Roosters.

Young credits his performance at the SCG, in which he scored a try and likely saved one or two with strong defensive efforts, to his dedication over summer.

"I just put my head down and tried to get the best out of [myself] all preseason," he said. "It's probably something I've not done before ... and it's definitely helped."

After the Roosters game, Knights coach Adam O'Brien said he felt like Young had "sort of arrived now".

"We underestimated when he moved out here last year, I think we all did, players as well, he hadn't played a lot against adults," O'Brien said.

"He played kids and obviously dominated... [but] he moved out here as a really young guy and I thought it shocked him, the preseason.

"But this year is a complete 180. He's thrived."

Young agreed he was in a far better place now, having had quite the learning experience in his first season.

"I'm kind of used to it now, there's no surprises," he said.

"I feel like I know what I need to do and what Adsy and everyone expects from me. I learnt how the game is played over here ... it's a lot different. I just learnt what it kind of took to be at this level. The demands not only on the field, but ... in training."

Young played outside Dane Gagai against the Roosters, who scored a try of his own in his first game back in Knights colours after four years with South Sydney. The centre said Young's physical attributes and athletic abilities held him in good stead to make a go of it in the NRL.

"We do this thing called pummelling to warm our shoulders up, but he warms my chin up, he's that bloody tall," Gagai said. "He's absolutely powerful in the gym and when you see him in the open, he can match it with the best of them. He's not shy to take the tough carries. I think he's a raw talent."

But what impressed Gagai most was how Young had built upon his rookie season.

"The boys were saying that he's improved so much from last year, and I think that's one of the best traits you can have, the ability to keep improving," Gagai said.

"Athletically he's very gifted and he'll only get better. I'll be doing whatever I can to help him learn because, at the end of the day, if he's playing well it's only going to help my game."