EXCLUSIVE: Dragons Great Addresses Nepotism Rumours as Flanagan Decision Creates Tension

The last five-eighth to lead St George Illawarra to a premiership has urged fans to remain composed amidst accusations of favouritism directed at current coach Shane Flanagan.

Flanagan has faced criticism lately for selecting his son Kyle in the squad, despite other playmakers performing arguably better.

Currently, the Dragons occupy the 11th spot on the NRL ladder, with five victories from 13 matches. However, had a few close games earlier this season shifted in their favour, they could be sitting in fifth place.

The narrow defeats against the Rabbitohs and Eels have put immense pressure on the halves, Lachlan Ilias and Kyle Flanagan. Ilias was ultimately dropped from the team, while Kyle has managed to retain his place despite some lacklustre outings.

Flanagan senior has faced backlash, with critics suggesting he is shielding 26-year-old Kyle, yet he has firmly refuted these claims of nepotism.

However, he was compelled to retract some harsh public comments regarding Ilias following a field goal defeat to Souths in round two.

“To claim that Kyle is under pressure is absurd. I believe people’s focus is misguided,” Flanagan expressed to News Corp recently.

“He has been one of our standout players throughout the year. It’s not just me saying it; consult with other players and coaches. I might even be tougher on Kyle than on anyone else.”

Jamie Soward, who played in the No.6 position when the merged club clinched its only NRL title in 2010, remains optimistic that Flanagan is fielding the side he deems best for success. However, he acknowledged that changes may be mandated if the team fails to convert scoring opportunities.

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The Dragons have registered the fifth-lowest points tally in the competition this year, with Kyle contributing a mere four try assists across 13 matches.

“The weight of early-season losses is evidently taking its toll on the Dragons. This stress, combined with the tight nature of the competition, could profoundly influence their fortunes at the end of the season,” Soward told Wide World of Sports.

“If the senior players feel a change is warranted, they will likely address it with Flanagan.”

“In regard to Flanagan’s view of his son, there must be positive aspects in Kyle’s game. At times, they might need to adapt their kicking strategy and adopt a more offensive approach. Today’s game differs significantly from when I played, which revolved more around momentum swings than the current emphasis on statistics and set plays,” Soward explained.

“They have faced substantial defeats this season… everything is heightened now due to the close competition. Those early losses seem to be weighing heavily on them now.”

Kyle Flanagan has garnered a fair share of critics throughout his career, having struggled to find his place at previous clubs like the Sharks, Roosters, and Bulldogs before reuniting with his father at the Dragons last year.

Many observers argue that other deserving halfbacks are currently left out of the NRL, yet Soward believes that Flanagan often endures excessive scrutiny for his performances.

“(Penrith halfback) Nathan Cleary has set an unreal standard. Now, every young half is expected to mirror his exceptional organisational skills and kicking prowess. This can lead to unrealistic expectations for emerging playmakers,” he remarked.

“I’ve followed Kyle’s development closely and believe he possesses admirable skills in organisation and defence. However, at times he may need to be more adventurous and flexible, relying more on his instincts rather than strictly adhering to the set structure.”

“People are quick to compare young halves today with players like (Bulldogs’ playmaker) Toby Sexton, who is currently excelling in the competition. He’s effectively executing his role in a winning side. Both Flanagan and Sexton have adhered to their respective plans, although Sexton benefits from having more dynamic support players around him.”

“Regarding whether Flanagan should make adjustments, that remains his call. One thing about Flanagan is he demands excellence and knows how to achieve victory. Nonetheless, he likely needs to witness significant improvement from Kyle in the upcoming match to justify his position.”

While Kyle Flanagan has faced his share of scrutiny in the NRL, Ilias is making significant waves in the NSW Cup.

The Dragons’ reserve grade squad remains unbeaten in the seven matches since Ilias was dropped, and he has been performing well alongside promising talent Jonah Glover.

Glover, 22, boasts an impressive tally of 15 try assists and three tries in 14 appearances this season, making a strong case for an NRL debut.

Simultaneously, fellow prospect Lyhkan King-Togia, aged 20, has secured a contract with the club for the 2026 and 2027 seasons, positioning him as a potential long-term option at five-eighth.

With Daniel Atkinson set to join from the Sharks next year, a competitive battle for the No.7 jersey is anticipated among Flanagan, Ilias, Glover, and Atkinson.

“Jonah Glover is excelling in reserve grade. While I haven’t seen an extensive amount of him play, word is he has earned a shot in the NRL soon, which will heighten the pressure on the current halves,” Soward stated.

“As for Lyhkan, I truly believe in his capabilities.

“There’s a scarcity of high-calibre halves available, meaning there are currently four young prospects vying for positions. Generally, a successful combination comprises a seasoned player alongside a younger talent.

“The previous year, pairing Ben Hunt with Kyle Flanagan brought out a better version of Kyle, allowing him to shine with established direction at the helm.”

“All of them are promising youngsters currently facing challenges in a team that is under pressure to secure victories. It’s tough to fight for your position week after week.”

Flanagan will again team up with King-Togia in the halves for a crucial match against Parramatta this Saturday.

On the same day, Ilias and Glover will don the colours for the reserve-grade side, also facing the Eels.

KYLE FLANAGAN

NRL games played: 112

Win rate in NRL career: 40.18 per cent

Games this season: 13

Try assists this season: 4

LACHLAN ILIAS

NRL games played: 60

Win rate in NRL career: 51.67 per cent

Games this season: 7

Try assists this season: 2

LYHKAN KING-TOGIA

NRL games played: 10

Win rate in NRL career: 30 per cent

Games this season: 6

Try assists this season: 4

JONAH GLOVER

NRL games played: 0

Win rate in NRL career: N/A

Games this season: 0

Try assists this season: N/A