In a recent upheaval within the Dragons, co-captain Clint Gutherson has reaffirmed that Kyle Flanagan, recently dropped from the halfback role, remains a vital member of the team. Following the dismissal of his father, Shane Flanagan, as head coach, Kyle was moved to the bench ahead of the Dragons’ Anzac Day match against the Roosters.
Kade Reed, who has taken over the halfback position, is set to make his NRL debut at Allianz Stadium. He clarified there are no hard feelings towards Flanagan, stating their relationship remains strong. “Kyle’s always been really good to me and still is. He’s obviously disappointed, but he’s happy for me,” Reed expressed, demonstrating camaraderie despite the circumstances.
Gutherson shared insights into Flanagan’s state of mind, indicating that he is handling the situation reasonably well and emphasising the need for team support during challenging times. “There’s a lot bigger things than rugby league; it’s about looking after each other,” Gutherson stated. He also mentioned that Flanagan’s readiness to contribute can be crucial if called upon during the upcoming clash.
As the Dragons prepare for the high-stakes game, Reed is determined to make his mark, having set a goal to debut in the NRL this year, irrespective of timing. He feels confident, attributing his readiness to rigorous training against strong teammates, including back-rowers Luciano Leilua and Jaydn Su’A.
The recent changes in the coaching staff, including Young’s promotion to interim head coach and the subsequent dismissal of assistant coach Michael Ennis, have left the team in a state of flux. Gutherson described the past couple of days as “wild” but expressed optimism following a team meeting aimed at refocusing their efforts.
Reed’s upcoming challenge is considerable, tasked with leading the struggling Dragons against formidable opponents in a match that holds significant meaning on Anzac Day. Despite the pressure, he feels prepared to rise to the occasion.
Overall, while the Dragons are navigating through a turbulent time, the solidarity within the team is evident. With the support for Flanagan and the commitment from Reed and his teammates, there’s a collective determination to bounce back and perform well in the face of adversity.