Kyle Flanagan’s axing reveals just how ruthless the Roosters will be in pursuit of a three-peat
It was the decision that stunned the NRL, Trent Robinson’s big call is already reaping results for the Sydney Roosters as they chase a historic three-peat.
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It was the axing that shocked the NRL, but Cooper Cronk says Kyle Flanagan‘s response has turned the Sydney Roosters into an even better side.
As the Roosters ramp up for a shot at a historic three-peat, Cronk has revealed how Flanagan harnessed his greatest strength to not only win back his No.7 jumper but make it his own.
And the numbers back up Cronk’s claim, with Flanagan lifting his attacking output since returning from NRL purgatory.
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“Trent Robinson doesn’t make decisions based on a round 15 NRL game, he makes decisions based around premierships,” Fox League analyst Cronk said.
“But it’s not about the setback, it’s about how you respond and improve from those challenges.
“There is no doubt Kyle’s temperament is one of his greatest strengths of being a halfback. He’s calm, cool and collected.
“If you ask him personally, I’m pretty sure he is disappointed about being left out but he didn’t kick stones.
“I think most people will judge Kyle’s last couple of weeks since being back in the team at a great level. The Roosters are now a better team for that.”
Flanagan played 12 straight games at halfback in his first year at the Roosters and was the NRL’s leading pointscorer when Robinson pinpointed a deficiency in the youngster’s game: he only had six tries assists to his name.
The Roosters needed more from Flanagan in attack, so Robinson made the tough call to drop Flanagan and hand the No.7 jersey to Lachlan Lam in Round 13.
It’s a call Robinson has previously used to spark the likes of a young Latrell Mitchell and Joey Manu, and with the help of his predecessor and halves coach Cronk, Flanagan went to work on winning back his starting spot.
An untimely knee injury ended Lam’s run in first grade just a week later and Flanagan earned an early recall — but the shock to his system had already paid off.
Since returning to the starting side Flanagan has tallied four try assists in just three games — and played a leading role as the Roosters triumphed in last week’s highly anticipated grand final replay against the Canberra Raiders.
With the eyes of the sporting world watching for Sonny Bill Williams’ NRL return, Flanagan delivered exactly what Robinson wanted from his young halfback, an option in attack that took pressure off five-eighth Keary who was returning from a painful rib injury.
“In a game that had a lot of attention, Kyle Flanagan did a tremendous job. I like the way Kyle approached it. He embraced the attention,“ Cronk said.
“(James) Tedesco had a lights out performance … but don’t forget the pass that Kyle threw for Tedesco’s second try and he was in the picture for Teddy‘s first try too. In the first half in particular Kyle’s kicking game was really dominant, putting the Raiders in bad positions.”
Coach Robinson was equally impressed and said Flanagan was beginning to deliver the kind of performances expected from his halfback.
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“Kyle definitely played the halfback role last week,” Robinson said.
“He dominated in all of those areas and allowed Keary to have a first game back after a few weeks and that’s the strength of that pairing. That was good to see.
“He’s played well (since coming back). Luke was out in Kyle’s first game back and I really like the way Drew Hutchison and Kyle combined in those games.
“I really like the way he’s attacked games. He’s been really good.”
Flanagan continued his resurgence against Newcastle on Saturday night, adding to his try assist tally with a deft kick to set up a James Tedesco four-pointer.