'Kyle was brought in as a 14': Dragons boss says Flanagan won't be halfback next year
Kyle Flanagan will not be the St George Illawarra halfback in 2026 according to the club's boss.
Dragons CEO Tim Watsford took the extraordinary step of going on the Dragons Den podcast and revealing Flanagan was never meant to be the team's No.7, and won't be for much longer.
The 26-year-old was brought to the Red V last year by his father Shane, who coaches the team.
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Kyle has only recorded four try assists in 14 games this season and his continued selection in the NRL side has caused plenty of controversy.
Fans are bewildered at the fact Lachlan Ilias is performing better in reserve grade, as is his NSW Cup halves partner Jonah Glover.
Glover this week signed with South Sydney for next year, leaving Flanagan, Ilias, and young gun Lyhkan King-Togia to fight it out for starting spots.
Kyle Flanagan of the Dragons. Getty
But Watsford says 2026 recruit Daniel Atkinson will be given the keys as the team's halfback next year.
Atkinson, 24, has been playing off the bench for Cronulla this season.
"Kyle was brought in as a 14 or utility to play a role," Watsford said of Flanagan.
"At the time, we had two halves in Benny Hunt and Junior Amone. That was where the club was heading.
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"At the end of last year, we signed Daniel Atkinson from the Sharks and he will come in and play half in 2026.
"Kyle is there fulfilling a role for 2025 and fulfilling it well. Now, we're in the market and we'll be in the market for a marquee halfback — fact.
Kyle Flanagan of the Dragons and Daly Cherry-Evans of the Sea Eagles. Getty
"I think there's a real misconception out there that Kyle in particular has been put into a role to be that elite halfback.
"He is performing a role and doing it really, really well."
In terms of elite halfbacks, there aren't many on the NRL market for next year.
Daly Cherry-Evans is leaving Manly and looking for a new home, but is widely expected to join the Roosters as he chases another premiership before retiring.
With Atkinson playing halfback and King-Togia at five-eighth, it essentially leaves Flanagan without a jumper for next year.
Awkwardly, he is signed with the Dragons for 2026 and 2027.
