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Flanagan leading the way too justadragon. Is he wearing blinkers, unable to see what negativity the disloyal sook is bringing to this club, seeing how his last five years has not handed us one final. We had favoritism and nepotism from our last coach, seems we have the same with our new one. I for one wont put up with this.
Thing is though, you wouldn't expect better performing clubs to make a lot of signings. They've gone OK this year, they just need to tweak their roster a bit. But you would expect teams that failed to look at making changes. Dogs decided their roster wasn't good enough and have been buying big. Tigers identified the halves as a problem and bought Sullivan and Sezer. Dragons know they're skinny on front rowers, five-eights and fullbacks and have done bugger-all about it.
To some extent I get that, but do we really want to be signing players for 2024 without a contract? For example, Brandon Wakeham type players? They're awful so why would we bother? As Flanno has stated, they don't have a contract for a reason. They're either shit, have terrible attitudes, or more likely both.
I think Flannigan’s predicament is the old damned if you do damned if you don’t scenario regarding Hunt. Whenever he talks him up I cringe but I’d like to think that he’s just biding his time until he can get a better option. Let’s face it, in spite of what we think of our captain we need him until we can find a decent replacement.
Would like to see Ryan Couchman start the season at left second row. Think he'll do a great job. Obviously he's young and might need a rest at some stage but Russell and Eisenhuth can cover the spot adequately for 2-3 weeks if we need to rotate.
Like I’ve said before, we need our players to talk up the joint next year at every opportunity including our bloody captain and hopefully the perception of other players will change.
Also in one of the club updates (cannot remember exactly who said it, but think it was Flanagan), it was mentioned that both of the Couchman brothers have gained around 4kgs each in the off season.
You are right on the money there Parko ol' chap.
They've been training Ryan as an edge 100%. I think they might be making Toby into a middle though. New interview with Kyle Flanagan on Dragons site where he specifically points those two out as well in a really positive way.
Has Eisenhuth been confirmed yet Parko?
Not confirmed, although it was a pretty strong article claiming he had signed. My guess is the Dragons want to announce a couple of signings at the same time or shortly before as whilst I believe Eisenhuth is a fine signing, announcing he alone would bring on a barrage from the fans.
I would not pay more than half his contract.
They were 98kg at 19yrs of age and now just 20................if they have popped on 4kg that is a great effort at their age their type of build. These guys dont bend easy in tackles. They find the lines well to move forward post contact. Their work ethic in defence is very active.
Well, I have no doubt that Hasler will get his man. The only problem is under what terms. Previously, we wanted a swap with one of their forwards, now if we can get AFB for 2024, maybe just a termination of Hunt's contract will do, as it frees up the salary cap to sign AFB.
Titans getting F all 4 nothing. Hasler a little Bitch.
No nepo baby love for Kyle Flanagan at Dragons
By Adrian Proszenko
November 24, 2023 — 3.52pm
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There was once a time when Kyle Flanagan wouldn’t have responded well to news that his club was chasing a marquee man to play in his position.
The fact his father is behind the decision probably wouldn’t have sat well with him either. Yet rather than feeling threatened by the prospect of further competition for a first-grade spot, Flanagan welcomes the prospect of not having to be the main man after arriving at St George Illawarra.
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In joining the Red V, Flanagan will reunite with his coach and father Shane at NRL level for the first time since 2018. Flanagan senior has insisted upon Ben Hunt remaining at the club, while also declaring an interest in signing Cowboys playmaker Tom 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 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 that.”
After making his debut under his father at Cronulla, the 25-year-old will rejoin him after troubled stints at the Roosters and Bulldogs. No longer is he burdened with the pressure of being the team’s main man.
“Yeah, I definitely feel the weight off my shoulders,” he said. “It’s not about me here at the Dragons, I’m just looking to play my role at the club. And wherever I fit in, I fit in …
St George Illawarra Dragons player Kyle Flanagan.CREDIT: JANIE BARRETT, SMH
“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 about where I turn up, how many games I play or whatever it is, I just want to be happy. Go home and be happy with my family and enjoy stuff like that. Maybe it’s me getting a bit older in my life.”
Flanagan admits he’s not quite sure where he fits into the Dragons line-up. Hunt will wear the No.7 jersey, while there’s a cloud over his halves partner given that playmaker Talatau Amone will be sentenced next month after being found guilty over a hammer attack on a roofing contractor.
Flanagan can play at halfback, five-eighth and even hooker after spending time at dummy-half during his final season at Canterbury. He is also an option as a bench utility.
“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,” he said.
“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, is being happy and winning football games.”
While there has been ongoing speculation about Hunt’s future, Flanagan wants him to stay put.
“I think it’s crucial,” he 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 said it was beneficial spending a chunk of his career away from his father, but is relishing being back with the premiership-winning mentor.
“When he went through his suspension and I was at another club, I never thought that our paths would cross again,” he said
100% TruSaint, just the attitude we need, give him the captaincy !!!
