In exciting news for Sharks fans, former halfback Kyle Flanagan could be heading back to his humble beginnings at Endeavour Field next season.
The 22-year-old, who has already played for three sides in the Sydney region in his short career, has been linked to a return to the club which gave him a start in the NRL.
According to Wide World of Sport's The Mole, there is a real probability that should Canterbury get their hands on promising Broncos half Tyson Gamble, then Flanagan could head out the door.
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The Bulldogs have been heavily criticised for how Kyle Flanagan was treated over the past couple of days, but the club insists his welfare was their main priority. @Danny_Weidler #9News pic.twitter.com/vD2KOSs6Xk
— 9News Sydney (@9NewsSyd) May 12, 2021
Flanagan, who debuted for the Sharks in 2018 at the age of 19, hasn't set the world alight since his move to the Bulldogs from the Rosters.
He was dragged from the field in the side's 32-12 loss in Round 9 against St. George Illawarra off the back of a poor first half display, and was left out of the side last week against the Raiders.
Kyle Flanagan handled himself very well in front of cameras today. There was no need for him to appear at press conference. The fact he did speaks volumes for his character. Being dropped at this stage of career is just part of journey. Challenges make you stronger. He’ll be back
— Phil Gould (@PhilGould15) May 11, 2021
With the Sharks suddenly facing the real possibility of having depleted creative reserves off the back of Chad Townsend sealing his move up north, it would make sense for Flanagan to move back considering his subpar position within the Bulldogs squad.
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However, there is no question that both sides are in strife this year, with the Bulldogs sitting rock-bottom of the ladder, whilst Cronulla are too toiling down the foot of the table in 14th spot.
This week, Trent Barrett's side face the Titans - who are sitting just outside the eight, whilst the Sharks face the sixth-placed Dragons.
Bulldogs already have signed JMK, Wakeham, Lewis, Flanagan and Averillo and for next season Burton and now making a move for Gamble. You don’t need 6 halves.
As for Kyle Flanagan I really believe the kid can play. Left the Sharks for the roosters thinking he made himself a great career move only for them to turn around and drop him. Has them gone to the worst team in the Como and hurt his value a little more. I think he should go back to the Sharks and just put his head down and work hard.
JMK and Lewis are off contract and it’s doubtful they’ll be at the club next year, JMK plays hooker so is not really competing for a halves spot anyway.
I always felt that Kyle Flanagan should have stayed with Cronulla and developed more. He wasn’t an experienced first grader when he joined the Roosters and he had to fit into a new club culture and system. They used him and abused him, hoping he would be a suitable replacement for the retiring Cooper Cronk, and at the Bulldogs he’s on a hiding to nothing atm.
NOOOOO!!!! As a lifelong Sharks supporter, I can say I rate this guy in the same mould as Townsend,,, Very average.
There is a reason why the Roosters moved him on & now out of favour with Bulldogs.
Instead of getting another long term Townsend, how about investing in what we already have? Trindall & Tracey?
Id rather even give Sandow a go.
PS Sharks need to give their Reynolds offer to Nicho Hynes.
JMK is listed as hooker, five eight and halfback. Even without him That still leaves 4 halves options with Burton Averillo Flanagan and Wakeham all signed. If you were to add Gamble to that mix I think he would be near enough the worst option and being 24 without positional versatility he wouldn’t even make the bench.
Doggies have bigger holes to fill. One of the worst forward packs and lacking a solid hooker and fullback still.