Kyle Flanagan, despite being part of Ben Hunt's controversial release from the Dragons, expresses respect and continues to seek mentorship from his former captain and halves partner, acknowledging Hunt's significant influence on his rugby league career.
Kyle Flanagan was caught up in Ben Hunt’s release after the then skipper implored the club to sign Clint Gutherson as a five-eighth, but he has nothing but respect for his former halves partner.
“Yeah for sure, I think while he lives around the corner I will always be bumping into him and playing NFL fantasy and stuff like that," Flanagan said.Flanagan’s career to date has been a rollercoaster after bursting onto the scene as a halfback at the Sharks in 2018. Flanagan has been unfairly criticised at times for not creating enough try-scoring opportunities as a half, but Hunt’s dominance on the Dragons team often meant that he had to take a back seat in the playmaking department.
Flanagan admits it was tough watching his teammates and feeling as though he let them down, but it is fuelling his desire to make amends next season. A noticeably bulkier Flanagan is looking to add seven to 10 kilograms to his playing weight in time for Round 1.“I’m a bit heavier than that at the moment, so cut back and hope to get moving.“I’m probably a bit more than 90kg at the moment, so my body feels good.
“I’ve made a few gains off the field about my body and hopefully that can translate to the footy field. “I think just diving into his experience, obviously, he’s played at every level of the game,” Flanagan said of Cook.“I’m looking forward to playing with him as he is such a classy player and he can hopefully help me in my footy.”Gutherson has already put his teammates to shame in the fitness drills since arriving at the club and Flanagan believes he can help drive the squad to higher standards.
How Flanagan combines with new halves partner Ilias could go a long way to deciding how the Dragons fare next season.
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