Kyle Flanagan pushes case for Bulldogs NRL recall after playing NSW Cup for Mounties

Kyle Flanagan made his rugby league return in reserve grade in the first steps towards a recall to Canterbury’s NRL side. See what he had to say about it.

Kyle Flanagan while playing NSW Cup for Mounties against the Dragons. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

Canterbury halfback Kyle Flanagan has opened up on his shock demotion from the NRL, and subsequent fight to come back, saying: “I thought I was going better than I was”.

Five weeks after being sensationally dumped by Bulldogs coach Trent Barrett, Flanagan made a strong return on Monday as he helped Mounties beat St George Illawarra 26-14 in NSW Cup at Olympic Park.

Playing in jersey No.17, the dumped playmaker scored one try and almost kicked for another in his first game since being hooked midway through Round 9 against the Dragons.

Days later, the 22-year-old also broke down at a press conference when questioned about the support of his family, particularly father and former NRL coach Shane.

Kyle Flanagan played for Mounties against the Dragons in NSW Cup at Stadium Australia on Monday. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

Speaking with The Daily Telegraph on Monday evening, Flanagan said he was hopeful of a recall for the next Bulldogs match against arch rivals Parramatta this Sunday.

The halfback also said he had overcome a niggling rib injury suffered during his last game.

Asked about his past month, which started with him being hooked midway through the Dragons loss, he said: “I got caught off guard that day.

“I thought I was going better than what I was.

“Then in the interview, I was struggling a bit when I got questioned about my family.

“But the support I’ve been given from so many people, I can’t thank them enough. The people who have called me, texted me, it’s been really positive.”

Apart from scoring a try, Flanagan almost crossed for a second, but was held up over the tryline, and also kicked three from five conversions.

So what chance he could be back in first grade for the Eels match?

“I’m a positive person and have high expectations,” he said. “I want to reach the heights of this game.

Kyle Flanagan watches on as the Bulldogs warm up for their NRL match against the Dragons on Monday afternoon. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

“So I’m just going to do my video on this game and keep working.

“But there are no certainties in the NRL.

“Baz just wanted me to come back today and enjoy playing footy again. Then we go from there.”

Despite being signed to the Belmore club until the end of 2023, there has been rumours of Flanagan being moved on next season if the club snares Cronulla’s Shaun Johnson.

Already, the Dogs have rising Penrith playmaker Matt Burton on a three-year deal from 2022, with Flanagan now ready to show Barrett he is the man to partner him in the halves.

Asked what improvements the coach had wanted to see from him in the Cup clash, the No.7 continued: “Just my attacking game.

“Sometimes I can be a little too rigid. So that, and playing more football, to loosen up with the rule changes.

Kyle Flanagan scored a try for Canterbury’s feeder side Mounties in his return to playing. Picture: Brett Costello/NRL Photos

“If I can improve that part of my game I’ll be really happy.”

Flanagan, who was brought to the club by Barrett, also revealed he could have played before now but would have required a painkilling injection.

“I fractured my rib cartilage against the Dragons a month ago,” he said. “I probably could have played first grade with a needle but I’ve just worked on my weights program and, now, it’s good to go.

“It’s been a while since I had a win so the last 20 minutes out there today, I could really loosen up and play a bit of footy.

“That’s what I was most looking forward to. Just getting back out there and playing some footy.”