‘It’s a disgrace’: Ricky Stuart launches defence of Kyle Flanagan after Raiders win 28-24 over Dragons

Canberra Raiders coach Ricky Stuart has leapt to the defence of Dragons halfback Kyle Flanagan, labelling public criticism of the 26-year-old as “a disgrace” and taking aim at the “so-called fans”.

Canberra Raiders coach Ricky Stuart has leapt to the defence of Dragons halfback Kyle Flanagan labelling public criticism of the 26-year-old as ‘a disgrace.’

Kyle, son of St George Illawarra coach Shane Flanagan, has been relentlessly targeted by fans on social media recently due to perceptions of nepotism, with the Dragons even recently reporting one social media user to the NRL integrity unit over alleged online abuse.

Following his side’s 28-24 win over St George Illawarra on Saturday, Stuart weighed into the discussion, taking aim at the ‘so-called fans’ and criticising the media for amplifying the issue.

“I think it’s a disgrace how you guys in the media are just absolutely bashing a kid publicly,” Stuart said.

“I’ve got a son [Jed] playing, and that’s my biggest fear, you people [the media].

“The way that he’s [Flanagan] been portrayed in the media at the moment … that poor kid.

Kyle Flanagan has been the target of online abuse. Picture: Mark Nolan/Getty Images

“I’ve known him since he was a little boy … [and] he’s a better footballer than he’s been given credit for.

“I think it’s a disgrace.

“The bullshit that he has to listen to and cop … [from] his so-called supporters on social media.

“The way that boy has handled that from a mental point of view, turning up every week.

“It would be torture for his mother and his sisters … imagine it one of yours. That’s when it becomes real.”

Ricky Stuart launched a defence of Kyle Flanagan. Picture: Mark Nolan/Getty Images

Flanagan junior put in a good shift against the Raiders, scoring 12 points, including a spectacular try that got the Dragons within four points of the competition leaders in the closing minutes of the clash.

Stuart revealed post-match that he had gone over to the under-fire playmaker to share some words of encouragement.

“He led the charge in regards to getting that team back into that game,” Stuart said.

“I went up to him after the game … and took him aside and spoke to him.

“He said, ‘I’m tough enough. I’ll handle it.’”

MATCH REPORT

The Canberra Raiders remain on target to win their first minor premiership since 1990 after defeating a valiant St George Illawarra side 28-24 at GIO Stadium on Saturday.

It may have been a cold night in the national capital, but Raiders fullback Kaeo Weekes was in white-hot form, chiming in with three tries, a try assist and four line break assists, as the Green Machine clung on for their 14th win of the season.

“We really needed that win going into the bye,” Weekes told Fox Sports.

“’Stick’ [coach Ricky Stuart] put a really big emphasis on getting us right heading into the bye.

“We had ‘Paps’ [Josh Papalii] go away to Origin camp and the boys coming in did a fantastic job.”

The Raiders are now outright first on the NRL ladder after their win over the Dragons. Picture: Getty Images

The result puts Stuart’s side two points clear of the second-placed Bulldogs, and with two byes in hand and four of their next seven games at home, they are in pole position to claim the coveted J. J. Giltinan Shield.

That said, they were given a serious scare by the fast-finishing Dragons who, after trailing 28-12 with 20 minutes remaining, scored two spectacular tries to get within four points of their more fancied opposition.

Kaeo Weekes is a SUPERSTAR! 🌟 pic.twitter.com/fBUySUbYsB

— NRL (@NRL) July 5, 2025

A spectacular aerial effort from Xavier Savage had Canberra ahead 6-0 after 19 minutes, and while the Dragons had managed to level the scores by the 36th minute via a Tyrell Sloan try and a Kyle Flanagan penalty goal, a 90-metre kick-return touchdown from Weekes gave the home side a 12-6 advantage at the break.

“That is an amazing run from a sensational Canberra fullback,” exclaimed commentator Andrew Voss as Weekes celebrated his long-range stunner with a theatrical bow to the crowd.

“All of it is simply brilliant!”

The mercurial fullback continued on his merry way during the second half, brushing past Corey Allen to score two minutes after the resumption, and when Sebastian Kris batted back a Jamal Fogarty bomb to gift Morgan Smithies his inaugural NRL try, Canberra led 24-6 with a tick over half an hour remaining.

The Dragons fought back late, but the damage was done early. Picture: Getty Images

Jaydn Su’A kept Shane Flanagan’s side in the game, scoring a rather fortunate try after Jed Stuart failed to clean up the former Queensland representative’s topsy-turvy grubber, but Weekes immediately replied with another 90-metre scorcher, once again off a kick-return.

The Dragons’ rapid-fire fightback began in the 65th minute, when a speculative kick from Clint Gutherson, 20 metres out from his line, was recovered by Sloan, who outpaced Weekes to score. The enigmatic winger would turn provider seven minutes later, with his inch-perfect chip setting up both a Flanagan try and a nailbiting finish.

ERRORS COST DRAGONS

While coach Flanagan would be happy with his side’s comeback, he would likely be fuming about their high number of errors. The Saints finished the game with a dismal completion rate of 67% and gifted Canberra a stack of possession at vital times.

FORWARD ON REPORT

Su’A and David Klemmer may both find themselves in hot water during the coming week, with both forwards put on report for dangerous tackles, both on Joseph Tapine. Su’A was pinged early in the 23rd minute for an alleged dangerous tackle, which saw the Canberra skipper clutching his ankle. Likewise, Klemmer was sent to the bin in the final minute for a high shot on Tapine.

Originally published as ‘It’s a disgrace’: Ricky Stuart launches defence of Kyle Flanagan after Raiders win 28-24 over Dragons