Kyle Flanagan and the Sydney Roosters officially part ways

Kyle Flanagan and the Sydney Roosters have parted ways as Jake Clifford looks set to do the same in North Queensland.

Halfback Kyle Flanagan has officially cut ties with the Roosters Picture: Getty Images

Kyle Flanagan’s move to Canterbury will be confirmed on Tuesday after the young half admitted he was “shocked and disappointed” at the way his tenure at the Sydney Roosters had come to an end.

The Roosters lodged termination papers with the NRL on Monday morning, clearing the way for Flanagan to take up a deal with the Bulldogs worth more than $1 million. His departure will ease the strain on the Roosters’ salary cap and hand the No 7 jersey to either Lachlan Lam or Sam Walker.

Flanagan, meanwhile, will unite with incoming coach Trent Barrett at the Bulldogs as they attempt to improve the fortunes of one of Sydney’s most affluent clubs.

“Shocked and Disappointed,“ Flanagan said on Instagram. “I want to thank everyone involved with my time at the @sydneyroosters. 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.”

Flanagan isn’t the only half who could be on the move after it emerged that representatives for North Queensland playmaker Jake Clifford had asked for a release from his deal, potentially to join Newcastle next season.

The Knights have been looking to ease the burden on captain Mitchell Pearce and it is understood they have an interest in Clifford, who was earmarked as a future star in Townsville but has struggled for consistency over the past 12 months.

The Cowboys have drawn up a hit-list of potential replacements for the 22-year-old and it is understood Benji Marshall is among the prospective targets, having played with coach Todd Payten at Wests Tigers.

North Queensland’s Jake Clifford is on Newcastle’s hit-list. Picture: Alix Sweeney

Flanagan was brought to the Roosters following the retirement of Cooper Cronk but his time at the club barely lasted 12 months as the Roosters opted to head in another direction.

His departure comes as the club edges towards the signing of teenage dual code sensation Joseph Suaalii, who has been given permission by South Sydney to speak to other clubs despite having another year remaining on his deal with the Rabbitohs.

Suaalii, who has also been targeted by Rugby Australia, is understood to have his heart set on joining the Roosters. Meanwhile, the Bulldogs and Barrett have identified Flanagan as a key signing and it is believed they could announce his signature in the next 48 hours.

Canterbury are expected to be one of the more active clubs in the off-season, having also targeted Melbourne flyer Josh Addo-Carr and Penrith half Matt Burton.

Addo-Carr bid adieu to the Storm with a premiership and is no rush to decide his future as he prepares to head into camp with the NSW side.

Storm winger Josh Addo-Carr is heading to a Sydney club. Picture: Getty Images

“There’s a fair few clubs that my manager has spoken about to me,” Addo-Carr said.

“But all I was focused on was having a successful year and finals series and just leaving all that stuff up to my manager. Just focusing on my footy.

“I’ve got good support behind me (so) all I’ve got to do is worry about my football and the rest will settle itself.

“I’m excited to move back to be honest. I’ve been down in Melbourne for four/five years now. I moved down to Melbourne for my family, it’s time to move back for my family.

“There’s a fair few clubs but there’s no one 100 per cent at the moment. I’ll just leave it up o my manager, he’s going to try and get the best deal for me. But I’m just going to enjoy the moment.”

Addo-Carr has indicated a preference to play fullback at his new home.

“All I have to do is catch the ball and run fast,” he said. “If that opportunity comes I’ll try and take it with both hands. Fullback’s not new to me. Wherever I go if the coach wants me to play fullback, I’ll play fullback.

“It definitely won’t be the same. No other team is like Melbourne. No other team is from Melbourne. I’ve definitely grown as a player and I’d like to think I’m an experienced player now.

“I’ve played in a few big games now. I’d like to help younger fellas come through the ranks at whatever club I go to. I like helping people too.
“So I’d like to share my experience with other rugby league players to see them grow and thrive.”

Addo-Carr paid homage to the impact Storm coach Craig Bellamy has had on his career.

“I’m going to miss Craig, everyone here at the Storm,” he said.
“They’ve played a really big part in my career so far. They’ve turned me into the player I’ve always dreamt of being.

“I always trained hard but I knew that if I moved down to Melbourne that Craig, his staff and the players would turn me into the player I always wanted to be.”