Kyle Flanagan reveals his plan to regain starting role in the halves for Bulldogs

Few players have a target on their backs like Kyle Flanagan at the Bulldogs, but far from kicking stones the playmaker is adding new kicks to his arsenal.

Kyle Flanagan is pushing for a starting role in 2022. Picture: NRL PHOTOS

The much-maligned Kyle Flanagan has spoken for the first time about the fight to save his NRL career.

For a young footballer who was unwanted 12 months ago at the Sydney Roosters and now, according to rumours, in the same position at Belmore, the young halfback is remarkably positive and upbeat about his future at the Canterbury Bulldogs.

The story goes that Gus Gould wants Jake Averillo to play at halfback and believes the 21-year-old can eventually become a Jahrome Hughes type playmaker for the Doggies.

That this isn’t a five-year plan but an immediate project.

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Kyle Flanagan hasn’t given up on starting in the halves for the Bulldogs in 2022. Picture: NRL PHOTOS

“I’m just focusing on what I can control and that’s training hard and backing myself,’ Flanagan said, “I’m sure everyone’s going to get an opportunity.

“I heard the talk the club wanted to offload me but they’ve always been upfront and I’ve never felt unwanted within the four walls of the footy club.

“I feel well supported by Gus and Baz (Trent Barrett) and everyone else for that matter. It’s up to me now.”

As the Dogs struggled last year and finished with the wooden spoon, Flanagan finished the season with six try-assists and eight linebreak assists – second and first in the side respectively overall despite only playing 13 games.

Still much more is expected from a $450,000 playmaker.

“I just want to play well and get the consistency back I had at the Roosters,” he said.

“I’ve been under pressure from when I started, even back in Harold Matthews. Everyone knew my name because of my old man.

“I’m used to it although when I left the roosters I probably could have handled it better.

‘It hurt my confidence. It’s a cut throat industry that we’re in. I put on a tough face but behind the scenes it hurt.”

During the off-season Flanagan has done extras with old Cronulla Sharks warhorse Paul Gallen and boxing guru Peter Mitrevski Junior in their Cronulla gym.

“Gal’s been really good with my confidence and about backing myself,” he said

“I’ve also learnt about the importance of being part of a tight knit group that you need to have success at a footy club.”

Kyle Flanagan watches on from the bench during round nine last year. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

Obviously the roster overhaul at Belmore and the new signings will help.

“There will be less pressure this year because we’ve got Matt Burton, Josh Addo Carr and Matt Dufty.

“We’ve also added guys like Tevita Pangai and Paul Vaughan in the forwards. They can be scary.

“I’d rather play behind them than against them.”

Importantly Flanagan has also worked on his fifth tackle options.

He has done kicking sessions throughout the off-season with former Sydney Swans star Nick Davis.

The plan is to implement a torpedo bomb or floater like Adam Reynolds, Nathan Cleary and the good halves rather than just kick conservatively to the corners.

It’s all part of becoming the complete halfback – and a valued member of the resurgent Bulldogs.