Shane Flanagan’s Major Concern to Reach its Climax with DCE’s Confirmed Move to the Roosters

This week has seen speculations cool regarding the Roosters and their pursuit of Daly Cherry-Evans, with discussions about Shane Flanagan facing mounting pressure, particularly if he continues to retain his son on the team. These developments cast a new light on the intense halfback situation within the NRL.

It certainly feels like something is on the verge of occurring.

The saga surrounding Cherry-Evans’ departure from Manly has dominated headlines since his appearance on Nine’s 100% Footy back in March, where he confirmed that he’d be moving on from the club he’s captained since 2017.

Initially, it appeared almost certain that the 36-year-old would end up at the Roosters. However, as his form has waned — coinciding with his removal from the Maroons squad — the once-promising connection between the talented halfback, who last tasted premiership success in 2011, and Bondi has almost dissipated.

Roosters chairman Nick Politis is known for his integrity, suggesting that there may have at least been a tacit agreement with Cherry-Evans.

If this is indeed the case, the smart wager is that an announcement will be made before the season concludes, reminiscent of the Cooper Cronk transfer that brought the club its last two premierships in 2018 and 2019.

This would place a 37-year-old Cherry-Evans in the Roosters’ No. 7 or No. 6 jersey at least for 2026, if not extending into 2027. Even with his ongoing injury concerns, Sam Walker remains the club’s most valuable asset under 25, paving the way for a short-term halves duo for a team keen to claim a premiership before James Tedesco either retires or moves to the Super League.

Then there are the Dragons, alongside the Eels, who are facing instability within their roster for the coming season and beyond.

Currently sitting 12th on the ladder, Flanagan’s squad enters the bye week under pressure, sharing a similar fate with the Sea Eagles.

They’re set to face the Eels in Wollongong in just over a week, and a loss to one of the few teams ranking below them would spell trouble for Flanagan.

A significant factor in this pressure is Flanagan’s choice to sign his son Kyle merely three months into his tenure with the Dragons, which he subsequently reinforced by extending Kyle’s deal through to the end of 2027.

This week, Coach Flanagan correctly pointed out that those targeting Kyle due to the Dragons’ recent dip in performance are missing the bigger picture. Yet, this defence does overlook the central issue.

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To be a consistently competitive team in the finals, a club must, without exception, have a halfback, typically in the No. 7 jersey, who is among their elite players.

For context, let’s examine last year’s finalists: Panthers – Nathan Cleary; Storm – Jahrome Hughes; Roosters – Sam Walker; Sharks – Nicho Hynes; Cowboys – Tom Dearden (although he wore No. 6, he was the team’s leading playmaker); Bulldogs – Toby Sexton; Sea Eagles – Daly Cherry-Evans; Knights – Phoenix Crossland.

While Sexton wasn’t one of the Dogs’ key players last year, Cameron Ciraldo’s situation is unique in that he has developed a game plan that alleviates some of the pressure from his halfback, which cannot be said for Flanagan’s Dragons.

Crossland stands out in this context as well, having recorded a career-best season last year and receiving frequent commendations. He earned three selections to represent New Zealand in 2024 as a result.

Understanding the necessity of a star halfback for a club’s success, Flanagan has curated a roster that has facilitated Ben Hunt’s departure, placing both his son and another recycled half, Lachlan Ilias, in positions of immense responsibility.

The question remains whether either player is capable of being a starting half in a successful NRL setup. However, opting to field them as the first-choice duo from the start of the season appeared destined for failure. Ilias has faced the brunt of this, while Flanagan has become an easy target due to his familial connection.

This underscores the reality that if Kyle Flanagan were being selected as a starting half by a different coach, it would hardly attract the same level of attention. However, the fact that it’s his father making the picks adds a layer of perceived nepotism that will not fade until the Dragons start winning or the coach ceases to favour him.

Sometimes, public perception outweighs reality, which is the crux of Gorden Tallis’ remarks on Triple M on Sunday.

“What’s going to happen is it’ll be either his job or Kyle’s,” Tallis declared. “He can continue giving him opportunities, but it could ultimately cost him. It’s a tough spot unless you’re coaching someone like Nathan Cleary with Ivan; it would be a real struggle otherwise.”

This kind of commentary will inevitably lead to change within the Dragons camp, especially with a challenging July schedule ahead featuring an away match in Canberra, a home clash against the improving Roosters, followed by visits to the Bulldogs and a trip up to Townsville. It would indeed be surprising if significant changes didn’t occur by August.

This brings us back to Cherry-Evans’ anticipated move to the Roosters, which could potentially lead to either Sandon Smith or Hugo Savala — or possibly both — being pushed out, particularly with the immensely gifted teen Toby Rodwell signed long-term and in line to partner Walker once the Cherry-Evans era concludes.

While the Eels may be the most likely destination for the next promising halfback eager for a consistent first-grade spot, the Dragons increasingly resemble a club heading towards a crisis, possibly making them acknowledge their lack of playmakers capable of mounting a genuine finals challenge and pushing them to be more active in the transfer market.

This epiphany may occur just as talented young players from the Roosters, as well as soon-to-be free agent Toby Sexton from the Bulldogs, become high-demand assets, provided they receive clearance to leave when Cherry-Evans joins.

As Tallis correctly points out, the pressing question must be considered: who is more expendable, a divisive halfback or a premiership-winning coach?