‘An asset for us’: Dragons halves battle to intensify in 2026 after Kyle Flanagan agrees to new long-term deal

The competition for spots in 2026 is set to intensify after the Dragons re-signed a key spine member just a day after the club poached Daniel Atkinson.

The Dragons have locked in another “integral” part of their squad with Kyle Flanagan inking a new two-year deal that will keep him at the club until at least the end of the 2027 season.

The news comes just a day after St George Illawarra signed Sharks playmaker Daniel Atkinson on a three-year deal starting in 2026, with the competition for sports starting to heat up at a club that is looking for a long-term halfback after skipper Ben Hunt was released to join the Broncos.

Flanagan played 20 games at five-eighth in his first year at the Dragons following stints at the Sharks, Roosters and Bulldogs, with the 26-year-old to bring up a major milestone in round 1 next year.

Here to stay ✊

Read More: https://t.co/PGetnFw9BC#BreatheFirepic.twitter.com/ISNVkP6xxg

— St George Illawarra Dragons (@NRL_Dragons) December 19, 2024

“Kyle was an integral part of our team this year and will continue to be an important player for us moving forward,” his father and coach Shane Flanagan said.

“He plays his 100th NRL game at the start of next season and his experience and versatility will continue to be an asset for us.

“With Daniel Atkinson joining the club from 2026 that competition for spots across the key spine positions will strengthen the whole squad.”

Flanagan missed the final four rounds of the season after he was found guilty of biting Bulldogs skipper Stephen Crichton, with the sides to meet in round 1 in what should be one of the marquee matches that weekend.

Flanagan will partner new recruit Lachlan Ilias in the halves next year, with Atkinson’s arrival in 2026 to leave the coach with a major selection headache.

“Kyle has been playing in the halves but can also play hooker and is a back-up goalkicker, so he adds value to our team in many ways,” Dragons chief executive Ryan Webb said.

“Off the field, he has displayed tremendous professionalism and been a great example for the younger players in our squad, so we are happy he’s committed for an additional two years.”

Originally published as ‘An asset for us’: Dragons halves battle to intensify in 2026 after Kyle Flanagan agrees to new long-term deal