NRL 2023: Kyle Flanagan opens up on Bulldogs exit, signing with Dragons on two-year deal

Kyle Flanagan has spoken out about his Bulldogs exit, revealing he is facing an uncertain future playing under his dad at the Red V and will need to earn the Dragons’ trust.

Flanagan reveals it was Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo who made the call to switch the struggling half to hooker, where he thrived in NSW cup. Picture: NRL Photos

Kyle Flanagan has broken his silence on signing with St George Illawarra to play under his father Shane by declaring he’s been “given no guarantees” on what position he’ll play.

After a turbulent three years at the Bulldogs that began as the club’s first-choice halfback before he was the subject of a career-changing move to hooker, Flanagan has signed a two-year deal with the Dragons from 2024.

He joins Shane for the first time since playing one game - his NRL debut - under him at the Sharks in 2018.

In discussing his move, Flanagan said he held no hard feelings towards his time at the Bulldogs, adding that he had nothing but gratitude towards rookie head coach Cameron Ciraldo for identifying him as a talented dummy-half.

Kyle Flanagan will join his dad at the Dragons after signing a two-year deal. Picture: Getty Images

It was Ciraldo who made the call to shift Flanagan out of the halves in round 16 this year to hooker, where the NSW under-20s captain’s passing-game, vision as a half and trademark support-play greatly benefited.

“The talk of me joining Saints to play under Dad is an obvious one,’’ Flanagan said.

“I am looking forward to working with him to strive for a common goal. I want to help bring success to the Dragons and absolutely he does too.

“I’ve signed with the Dragons because an opportunity has emerged that otherwise may not have been around had I not been offered the shot to play hooker at Canterbury.

“I’ve got to thank Cameron Ciraldo for having trust in me to learn a new position and also, do it to the best of my ability.

“I’ve learnt so much about the game working under Ciro (Ciraldo) this year.

“That move he made opened up my eyes to playing a position that suits my natural ability and I’ve enjoyed it.

“I have a new string to my bow that may not have been realised and that‘s an option what I can do for St George-Illawarra now.

“Up until this year, I had never played a game of hooker in my life with my mate (from Cronulla) Blayke Brailey always holding down that spot.

Flanagan reveals it was Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo who made the call to switch the struggling half to hooker, where he thrived in NSW cup. Picture: NRL Photos

“Any suggestion I’ve got a spot in the halves or at hooker, on the bench, whatever is off the mark.

“I don‘t know what 2024 looks like. I’m going to the Saints without any guarantee of a position and I’m up for that challenge.’’

Shane will take charge of a Red-V revival as the head coach of Saints for the next three years.

Flanagan has played 79 NRL games with the capable goalkicker scoring 326-points.

He declared that after stints at the Sharks, Roosters and Bulldogs, he would arrive at the Dragons without regrets, but instead layers of experience and learnings.

“I’m approaching my sixth season now as an NRL player and what I take from that is that with every season, I’ve gained a stack of experience as a person and a footy player,’’ Flanagan said.

“I’m turning 25 next week and I believe the next two years, with putting more work into my game, I can enjoy some of my most consistent years.

“Playing NRL isn’t easy, it’s challenges you everyday, but honestly, I’ve taken so much from every challenge that has come my way.

New Dragons coach Shane Flanagan is leading the Red V revival. Picture: Getty Images

“From that, I ultimately believe that it will only strengthen me for the future.

“I would like to think my attitude towards playing the game is firstly, how much I love the game and secondly, committing to the team by always looking to improve.

“I’m a huge believer in putting in the hard work so that it pays me back.

“I haven’t yet reached my potential as a player and that’s why I’m always open to coach’s ideas and methods to improve as a player.

“With every club that I‘ve been at, I’ve taken parts of that club with me and so I’ll arrive at the Dragons with what I believe is a solid understanding of what is involved to create a successful environment.

“I’ve been at established clubs and rebuilding clubs, so there’s a whole heap of learnings I take from those seasons.

“I love being part of a team environment that likes to train hard and compete hard to win footy games. That’s all I’ve ever wanted to do.

“All I can do is pull on the Red V colours in November and start by earning the trust of my new teammates.”

FLANAGAN’S NEW HOME REVEALED AFTER DOGS DEPARTURE

—Phil Rothfield

It’s official. Kyle Flanagan will join his father and new St George Illawarra coach Shane Flanagan at the Dragons next season on a two-year deal.

As revealed by this masthead, the Flanagan’s will team up at the Red V with the Dragons releasing a statement on Thursday confirming the signing of the 24-year-old from Canterbury.

“Kyle brings great value to our squad in a number of positions,” said Dragons general manager of football Ben Haran.

“His competitive nature, experience and knowledge of the game will benefit those around him.

“We look forward to him joining the club in November.”

Originally published as NRL 2023: Kyle Flanagan opens up on Bulldogs exit, signing with Dragons on two-year deal