Kyle Flanagan’s immediate future at the Bulldogs could potentially hinge on whether the Sea Eagles would be willing to entertain a player swap to help Cameron Ciraldo’s side overcome a crippling injury toll.
Flanagan, who played his first NSW Cup game of the year at hooker on Sunday, remains in limbo with Manly registering an interest in bringing the 24-year-old to the club, where his father Shane is an assistant to Anthony Seibold.
But sources speaking on the condition of anonymity due to the confidential nature of the talks said the Bulldogs have no immediate desire to release Flanagan.
Yet given their horrendous injury toll, which saw the club ask the NRL for an exemption so Harrison Edwards could start at prop against the Dragons in Wollongong, Canterbury have discussed the prospect of asking Manly for a forward if they eventually released Flanagan.
Cameron Ciraldo’s side is without forwards Viliame Kikau, Luke Thompson, Max King, Franklin Pele and Chris Patolo, who are all long-term absentees. Backs Josh Addo-Carr and Jacob Kiraz have also missed significant time in recent weeks.
The Sea Eagles have already demonstrated a willingness to undertake a player swap this year, bringing in veteran prop Aaron Woods and sending young forwards Viliami Fifita and Alec Tuitavake to St George Illawarra.
Bulldogs half Kyle Flanagan.Credit: Getty
Manly’s interest in Flanagan has increased with concerns about Josh Schuster’s fitness, while they’re not expecting captain Daly Cherry-Evans to back up after any of the State of Origin matches.
Flanagan adjusted to his new role at hooker in the NSW Cup with ease, and was used briefly in the position in the NRL a fortnight ago when Reed Mahoney was given a short break.
