Kyle Flanagan backs Dragons’ chase for Tom Dearden, wants Ben Hunt to stay

In his first interview since landing at the Red V from the Bulldogs, Kyle Flanagan has backed his father’s chase for Cowboys star Tom Dearden.

Not so long ago, Kyle Flanagan would’ve been losing sleep over the prospect of his own club chasing a new long-term halfback.

These days, the matured Flanagan is cheering just as hard for the Dragons to land the prized-signature of Cowboys playmaker Tom Dearden.

Dearden is on the shopping list of new Dragons head coach - and Kyle’s dad - Shane.

Shane has gone on the record in his belief that the Queensland State of Origin star could be the halfback at Saints “for the next five or six years.‘’

In his first interview since landing at the Red-V from the Bulldogs, Flanagan has backed his father’s chase for Dearden.

“When I was probably coming into first grade, when I was 19 or 20, I was probably thinking what’s going on here, I don’t want this,” Flanagan, 25, said.

“But I’m at a stage in my career where I want these players to come to our club and fighting for spots.

“You want to be part of good footy teams. I’m open to anything like (Dearden coming in).

St George Illawarra Dragons recruit Kyle Flanagan during pre season training. Picture Dragons media

“I’m at a stage now in my career where I’m not too fussed about what position I play.

“I want good players in my team.

“If I’m playing off the bench or I’m not even playing, I’m not too fussed.

“I just want to be part of a good organisation and a good footy team that’s winning games.

“That’s the most important thing, being happy and winning football games.”

Having recently proposed to his long-time partner Caity and with the experience of 79 NRL games, Flanagan says he’s never felt more positive and happy on and off the field, while excited for his next chapter at the Dragons.

From previous stints at the Sharks, Roosters and Bulldogs, his arrival at St George-Illawarra is the beginning of a new journey for the club - and the tight-knit Flanagan family.

The father and son are eagerly looking forward to forging a deeper connection as coach and player, having shared just one previous NRL game together; Flanagan’s debut in 2018 at Cronulla.

The Dragons have put a target on Tom Dearden. Picture: Getty Images

“I never thought that our paths would cross again,” Flanagan said.

“It’s quite a nice touch, but that’s not the focus of me being at the Dragons.

“My focus is playing my role. And whatever that looks like, I’m going to just compete and do what I’ve built my career off so far.

“It’s hard to explain, but it definitely feels so refreshing coming to the Dragons and I’m just going to play my role.

“I’m at a stage in my career now where I’m not too fussed where I turn up, how many games I play or whatever it is, I just want to be happy.

“Maybe it’s me getting a bit older my life.”

The departure of Jayden Sullivan to the Wests Tigers, and uncertainty over Junior Amone’s future after he was found guilty of assault charges, has catapulted Flanagan into the prospect of starting round one in the halves alongside captain Ben Hunt.

Flanagan said he was desperate for Hunt to remain at the club beyond next season.

“I think it’s crucial,‘’ Flanagan said.

“He’s the captain, he’s the halfback of the club. He is our best player, our representative player.

“I hope he sticks around for plenty of young guys here that could learn off him.

“Just having him running out on the field in front of you, leading the boys around, it’s invaluable.“

Flanagan also reiterated how his mid-season switch to hooker at the Bulldogs under Cameron Ciraldo revitalised his career.

“When it first popped up, I ummed and ahhhed about hooker, but I remember before I left the Bulldogs saying thanks to Ciro for opening my eyes to that avenue,‘’ Flanagan said.

“I’m not sure what next year looks like, but another string to the bow is always going to help me in my career.”

Originally published as Kyle Flanagan backs Dragons’ chase for Tom Dearden, wants Ben Hunt to stay