There was once a time when Kyle Flanagan wouldn’t have responded well to news that his club was chasing a marquee man to play in his position.
The fact his father is behind the decision probably wouldn’t have sat well with him either. Yet rather than feeling threatened by the prospect of further competition for a first-grade spot, Flanagan welcomes the prospect of not having to be the main man after arriving at St George Illawarra.
In joining the Red V, Flanagan will reunite with his coach and father Shane at NRL level for the first time since 2018. Flanagan senior has insisted upon Ben Hunt remaining at the club, while also declaring an interest in signing Cowboys playmaker Tom Dearden.
“When I was probably coming into first grade, when I was 19 or 20, I was probably thinking ‘What’s going on here, I don’t want this,’” Flanagan said.
“But I’m at a stage in my career where I want these players to come to our club and fighting for spots. You want to be part of good footy teams. I’m open to anything like that.”
After making his debut under his father at Cronulla, the 25-year-old will rejoin him after troubled stints at the Roosters and Bulldogs. No longer is he burdened with the pressure of being the team’s main man.
“Yeah, I definitely feel the weight off my shoulders,” he said. “It’s not about me here at the Dragons, I’m just looking to play my role at the club. And wherever I fit in, I fit in …
St George Illawarra Dragons player Kyle Flanagan.Credit: Janie Barrett, SMH
“It’s hard to explain, but it definitely feels so refreshing coming to the Dragons and I’m just going to play my role. I’m at a stage in my career now where I’m not too fussed about where I turn up, how many games I play or whatever it is, I just want to be happy. Go home and be happy with my family and enjoy stuff like that. Maybe it’s me getting a bit older in my life.”
Flanagan admits he’s not quite sure where he fits into the Dragons line-up. Hunt will wear the No.7 jersey, while there’s a cloud over his halves partner given that playmaker Talatau Amone will be sentenced next month after being found guilty over a hammer attack on a roofing contractor.
Flanagan can play at halfback, five-eighth and even hooker after spending time at dummy-half during his final season at Canterbury. He is also an option as a bench utility.
“I’m at a stage now in my career where I’m not too fussed about what position I play. I want good players in my team,” he said.
“If I’m playing off the bench or I’m not even playing, I’m not too fussed. I just want to be part of a good organisation and a good footy team that’s winning games. That’s the most important thing, is being happy and winning football games.”
While there has been ongoing speculation about Hunt’s future, Flanagan wants him to stay put.
“I think it’s crucial,” he said. “He’s the captain, he’s the halfback of the club. He is our best player, our representative player. I hope he sticks around for plenty of young guys here that could learn off him. Just having him running out on the field in front of you, leading the boys around, it’s invaluable.”
Flanagan said it was beneficial spending a chunk of his career away from his father, but is relishing being back with the premiership-winning mentor.
“When he went through his suspension and I was at another club, I never thought that our paths would cross again,” he said.
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