‘Dragons Chief Asserts Flanagan Won’t Play Halfback Next Season: Revealing Kyle’s Introduction as a 14’

According to the CEO of St George Illawarra, Kyle Flanagan is not expected to be the club’s halfback in 2026.

Tim Watsford made the bold decision to appear on the Dragons Den podcast, where he disclosed that Flanagan was never intended to be the team’s No. 7 and that his time in this role is numbered.

The 26-year-old joined the Red V last year under the guidance of his father Shane, who is the team’s coach.

Flanagan has managed only four try assists in 14 appearances this season, which has sparked considerable debate over his continued presence in the NRL lineup.

Supporters are scratching their heads at the performances of Lachlan Ilias, who is excelling in reserve-grade, alongside his NSW Cup halves teammate Jonah Glover.

This week, Glover signed with South Sydney for the upcoming season, leaving Flanagan, Ilias, and promising newcomer Lyhkan King-Togia vying for starting positions.

Watsford confirmed that 2026 recruit Daniel Atkinson will be handed the role of halfback next season.

Atkinson, 24, has been coming off the bench for Cronulla this season.

“Kyle was brought in as a utility player to fill a specific role,” Watsford stated regarding Flanagan.

“At that time, we had two established halves, Benny Hunt and Junior Amone, setting the course for the club’s future.

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“At the end of last year, we signed Daniel Atkinson from the Sharks, and he will take on the halfback role in 2026.

“Kyle is fulfilling a role for this season adequately. Currently, we are in the market and will definitely seek a marquee halfback.

“There seems to be a misunderstanding that Kyle has been designated as the elite halfback,” added Watsford.

“He is executing his role and doing it very effectively.”

Regarding elite halfbacks available for next season, the options seem limited.

Daly Cherry-Evans is set to depart Manly and is actively seeking a new club, although he is rumoured to be heading to the Roosters in pursuit of one last premiership before retiring.

With Atkinson in the halfback position and King-Togia at five-eighth, Flanagan is expected to miss out on a spot in the team for next season.

Complicating matters, he is contracted with the Dragons through 2026 and 2027.