The recent tension surrounding Kyle Flanagan at the Dragons has escalated following a disappointing loss to Cronulla. Since Shane Flanagan, Kyle’s father, took on the coaching role, the young halfback’s performance has come under scrutiny, with many fans calling for his replacement. This season, he has only managed four try assists in 13 games, matching his record from last year, while also coping with the added pressure of stepping up since former captain Ben Hunt’s departure.
Kyle has been part of three matches in which the Dragons led by two converted tries, only to lose, fuelling frustration among supporters. During a discussion on Triple M’s Sunday Sin Bin, rugby league legend Gorden Tallis remarked on the challenges of coaching a family member, suggesting that if Kyle doesn’t improve, it may cost Shane his job. He noted the difficulty of balancing family ties with team performance at such a high level.
Kyle Flanagan’s career has seen him dropped by both the Roosters and the Bulldogs, landing at St George Illawarra primarily due to his father’s position as coach. Initially viewed as a possible utility, he spent most of the previous season at five-eighth beside Hunt, but now must navigate roles in both the No.6 and No.7 jerseys without consistent success. The club’s NSW Cup team, led by Lachlan Ilias, has seen recent success, winning six consecutive matches, further placing Kyle’s performances under the spotlight.
Ex-Dragons player James Graham suggested the external criticism directed at Kyle is simplistic and questioned whether any internal alternatives could resolve the team’s issues, recommending that the Dragons may need to seek a new halfback externally. Discussions around potential signings, including Daniel Atkinson, who is set to join in 2026, highlight the ongoing evolution needed within the team.
As the Dragons face a challenging month with upcoming matches against tough opponents like the Eels and Raiders, they have yet to qualify for finals since 2018, enduring a series of head-coaching changes since their last premiership in 2010. With the pressure mounting, the club aims to find a way out of its current slump while managing the complexities of family dynamics on and off the field.