Kyle Flanagan breaks his silence on reports linking him to the UK

A Bulldogs star has finally broken his silence amid vicious rumours the club are shopping him around to various clubs in the Super League.

Kyle Flanagan has broken his silence over rumours the Bulldogs shopped him around Super League clubs in the UK. Picture: Alix Sweeney

Kyle Flanagan has rubbished reports linking him with a move to the Super League in the UK.

The young gun was unceremoniously dropped from the Bulldogs after their loss to the St George Dragons in round nine.

He did make a return to the starting line-up of Trent Barrett's side, but did not enjoy a happy comeback as the Bulldogs were on the wrong side of a 66-0 drubbing from the Sea Eagles in round 16.

The more he remained on the sidelines for the first grade side, the more speculation surrounding his future arose.

Recently, reports emerged about the Bulldogs supposedly shopping him to clubs in the Super League, but Flanagan has finally put any rumours of him leaving to bed.

“No, that was a funny one,” Flanagan said when quizzed on whether there was a shred of truth to the UK links.

“I know there were a few reports of trying to get my old man (Shane Flanagan) there.

“But nothing there.

Flanagan has played for Mounties on a number of occasions this season. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

“I guess sometimes you’ve got to have a bit of a laugh at some things put in the media.

“I know where I am on my journey in my football career. I just want to keep improving each week.

“I always back my own ability, and I know where I stand here at the Bulldogs.”

With Flanagan expecting to stay at the Belmore outfit for next season and beyond, he’ll be lining up in 2022 with a significantly improved roster.

The Bulldogs have added Josh Addo-Carr, Matt Dufty, Tevita Pangai Junior, Brent Naden and now Paul Vaughan for next season, with potential for even more bodies through the door as the club’s rebuild continues.

Flanagan believes things can only get better for not just the club, but himself as a player with the new additions.

Flanagan can expect an improved supporting cast at the Bulldogs in 2022. Picture: Alix Sweeney

“Obviously we know the player he (Vaughan) is and the damaging forward he can be,” Flanagan said.

“A player of his calibre brought to the club is only going to benefit us.

“Every halfback loves playing behind a forward pack that’s going forward.

“Players like Tevita Pangai Jr on the edge is only going to benefit my game, and will suit my style of play.”

Whether Flanagan will get to start for the Bulldogs next season remains a big question, given he hasn’t exactly set the world alight in his first year with the blue and whites.

But a starting berth against the Gold Coast Titans on Sunday provides the perfect chance to showcase he’s improved since the Manly loss.