Shane Flanagan dropped Lachlan Ilias this week, and insists he would have no problems doing the same to his son, five-eighth Kyle Flanagan.
“But Kyle has been one of our best players this year,” the St George Illawarra coach said.
“Kyle and ‘Gutho’ [Clint Gutherson] have been our best players all year, and poll votes [each week] for the players’ player.
“When that happens, it does make it easier. Kyle has scored four tries, and he’s been setting up tries.
“His form has been fine. This year and last year, he was excellent. I’ve got no problems there. If he doesn’t play well, he doesn’t play. He’d be gone. There’s no difference.”
Ilias was always going to need time to adjust to a new club, especially after returning from a broken leg, and was dropped for Saturday night’s Magic Round clash against the Wests Tigers.
Kyle Flanagan has been one of St George Illawarra’s better players this season.Credit: Getty Images
Lyhkan King-Togia, 19, who played four games at the back of last season, will wear the No. 7 jersey in Brisbane.
Flanagan said he had plenty of confidence in King-Togia to direct the team around the park. That will see the more experienced Kyle retain five-eighth duties.
Suggestions of Kyle being a protected species because his father is coach has been a narrative spun by some disgruntled fans, especially after a defeat, but Shane was too happy to set the record straight.
“I treat Kyle exactly the same as everyone else,” Flanagan said.
“Like I said, he has been playing very well. Fans know Kyle is playing well. All the fans want is for the Dragons to win. That’s all I want.”
Kyle said he and his father knew the predicament they were in when Shane was first appointed to the Dragons’ top job.
“He’s the coach, I’m a footy player, we go about our business – I just want to win for the Dragons,” Kyle said.
“I’ve been happy with my start to the season. I think I set a good foundation last year around my defence and my role in the team. With guys like Gutho coming in, I feel like we’re linking well together, and we’ve had some strike and joy on the left edge.”
Flanagan said King-Tongia would benefit from already having played in the NRL, and knew what to expect.
The Dragons defeated the Titans and Sea Eagles before losing their Anzac Day clash against the Sydney Roosters.
The Dragons meet a Tigers side coming off a golden-point win.
Flanagan said Ilias remained a big part of the Dragons, and a stint in reserve grade would only help with his confidence.
“He’ll be back,” Flanagan said.
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