Kyle Flanagan ‘shocked’ by Roosters axing, triggers contract ‘frenzy’ with three-year Bulldogs deal

Star playmaker Kyle Flanagan has formalised his exit from the Roosters in a move that will reportedly trigger a recruitment “frenzy”.

Kyle Flanagan has a new home.

Star playmaker Kyle Flanagan has reportedly completed his walkout from the Roosters.

Following a fortnight week where the halfback was painted by some as the reason for the Roosters’ surprise straight-sets finals exit, Flanagan has reportedly signed a three-year deal with the Canterbury Bulldogs.

The 22-year-old has just completed his first full season of first grade — after playing nine games for Cronulla across 2018 and 2019 — but he found himself on the outer at the Roosters with the club reportedly refusing to guarantee his future at the club beyond his 2021 contract.

It was all formalised on Monday, according to The Australian’s Brent Read, with Flanagan submitting paperwork with the NRL to confirm his departure.

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Flanagan confirmed his departure with an Instagram post on Monday.

“Shocked and Disappointed. I want to thank everyone involved with my time at the @sydneyroosters,” Flanagan wrote. “A rollercoaster year but full of memories I’ll remember forever.

“To the fans, I appreciate the ongoing support, it’s been unreal. To the lads, I loved every minute with you boys.”

Read posted on Twitter Monday that Flanagan’s move to the Bulldogs, reported to be announced this week, will trigger a “player frenzy” which could see Cowboys star Jake Clifford make a move to the Knights.

Newcastle is reportedly hoping to secure Clifford as the club’s preferred halves partner for Mitch Pearce.

Fox League also reported that it could open the door for a lifeline for Benji Marshall at the Cowboys under former Tigers teammate Todd Payten.

“Kyle Flanagan is no longer a Sydney Roosters player after termination papers were lodged with NRL, Jake Clifford’s reps have asked for a release from the Cowboys — a player frenzy is on the way,” Read posted on Twitter.

Speculation claimed Pearce could make a shock return to the Roosters next year, but the Knights have flatly denied the whispers.

Flanagan could be joined at the Dogs by Storm flyer Josh Addo-Carr and Panthers rising star Matt Burton, who is likely to be squeezed out of the Panthers by the late-season form of fullback Dylan Edwards and playmaker Jarome Luai.

Kyle Flanagan was the NRL’s top point scorer.

The son of former Sharks coach Shane Flanagan was sent a strong message of support by rugby league immortal Andrew Johns earlier this month following the Roosters finals elimination at the hands of the Raiders.

“Everyone knocking Kyle Flanagan, I think he’s had a really strong year,” Johns told Wide World of Sports’ Freddy & the Eighth.

“Go and watch Johnathan Thurston when he was 20, watch myself when I was 20, go watch Cooper Cronk — he was coming off the bench playing dummy-half.

“It takes so long to try to master the halfback position.

“People are being too tough on Kyle Flanagan and the people who are being tough on him don’t know what they’re talking about.

“I don’t understand it (the criticism).”

Flanagan went to social media to say he was “shocked and disappointed” to leave the Roosters.

Channel 9’s Danny Weidler also took to Twitter to reveal the move was the first in a bid to get cross-code young gun Joseph Suaalii, with more moves set to come.

LATEST: Roosters taking steps towards making room for Joseph Suaalii signing. And fitting in current players. As expected Kyle Flanagan off to the @NRL_Bulldogs. He sorted his release with the Roosters today. More Roosters will need to be moved. @NRLonNine @9NewsSydney

— Danny Weidler (@Danny_Weidler) October 26, 2020