'Disastrous' Dragons scenario looms after twin decisions

The Dragons shape as the mystery team of the 2025 premiership. The club has lost its two main strike weapons from last season - Ben Hunt and Zac Lomax - and that could prove disastrous. But they have picked up four quality, battle-hardened performers in Damien Cook (Rabbitohs), Clint Gutherson (Eels), Lachlan Ilias (Rabbitohs) and Val Holmes (Cowboys). If Ilias and Kyle Flanagan can fire as a halves combination, the loss of Hunt and his 32 try assists last season will be greatly lessened, while Kangaroos star Holmes has the class to replace Lomax out wide with his speed and ability to find the tryline. Gutherson seems a great addition as captain with his experience and will to win and his talk at the back will keep the Dragons' young forwards focused on the task at hand. Cook looked sharp in the win over the Roosters last weekend and is a player with a point to prove in 2025 after being unwanted by Souths. There's no doubt the Dragons relied too much on Hunt's experience and class in recent seasons - the arrival of Gutherson and Cook gives the Red V a more balanced squad. There are plenty of 'ifs' - but the potential is there for a better year than 2024 when the Dragons finished 11th - but just a win outside the top eight. One of the biggest teams in the NRL, the Dragons have the size to bully smaller rivals. But with that extra size, some of the bulky forwards struggle for lateral movement in defence and that was exploited by smart rival coaches last season.

2025 gains - Damien Cook (Rabbitohs), Clint Gutherson (Eels), Lachlan Ilias (Rabbitohs), Valentine Holmes (Cowboys), Nathan Lawson (Australian Rugby 7s), Emre Guler (Raiders).

2025 losses - Zac Lomax (Eels), Savelio Tamale (Raiders), Jack Bird (Wests Tigers), Max Feagai (Dolphins), Alec Tuitavake (Leigh Leopards), Ben Hunt (Broncos), Dan Russell (Warrington), Fa'amanu Brown (released), Jesse Marschke (North Sydney Bears).

Coach's son extended despite Dragons roster move

Kyle Flanagan has inked a two-year contract extension with the Dragons, just one day after the club announced the signing of Sharks playmaker Daniel Atkinson. The 26-year-old Flanagan - the son of head coach Shane - was the first choice No.6 at the joint venture this season, partnering Ben Hunt in the halves. Flanagan is expected to line up alongside new recruit Lachlan Ilias next season, but beyond that his role could be a little different when Atkinson arrives. In a statement released on Thursday, the coach claimed that the "competition for spots" would be vital for St George Illawarra moving forward. "Kyle was an integral part of our team this year and will continue to be an important player for us moving forward," he said. "He plays his 100th NRL game at the start of next season and his experience and versatility will continue to be an asset for us. "With Daniel Atkinson joining the club from 2026 that competition for spots across the key spine positions will strengthen the whole squad." Flanagan has hopped around to multiple clubs during his NRL career, spending time at the Sharks, Roosters and Bulldogs before linking up with his dad in the Red V. Dragons chief executive Ryan Webb lauded the five-eighth for his impact on and off the field since joining the club in 2024. "Kyle has been playing in the halves but can also play hooker and is a back-up goal kicker, so he adds value to our team in many ways," he said. "Off the field, he has displayed tremendous professionalism and been a great example for the younger players in our squad, so we are happy he's committed." Flanagan's new contract will see him remain in red and white until the end of 2027.

Intriguing backline switch to make or break Dragons

You've got to feel for Kyle Flanagan - the kid has been under scrutiny all his career and that will only intensify ten-fold as he plays under his dad Shane at the new-look Dragons. Kyle may well have started the year at hooker - where he would have been under less pressure - had the Dragons completed the signing of five-eighth Ronald Volkman from the Warriors. But Volkman failed a medical, the deal fell through and Kyle will be in the hot seat at five-eighth, sharing the playmaking duties with the Dragons' main man Ben Hunt. The fullback spot is the most contentious in the Dragons side - Tyrell Sloan will get the first crack at it and while he has the ability to win games, he can also lose them with poor defence and when his concentration wavers. Another player who can be hot and cold - Zac Lomax - will get his chance in the number one jumper at some stage of the season but will likely have to bide his time on the wing with Jack Bird and Moses Suli set to start the season as coach Flanagan's preferred centres. Raymond Faitala-Mariner is another newcomer and a player I believe will be highly effective off the bench. He has the size and power to break the line and will be the perfect guy to bring on late in a tight game. Hunt says he has resolved his differences with the club and may enjoy a fresh start under Flanagan senior - but somehow I still believe he will return to Queensland at season's end.

Dragons Domino to fall after Flanagan move

With Kyle Flanagan signing up at the Dragons, the club is looking to move on promising playmaker Junior Amone.The Raiders showed some interest in Amone - a guy with some smart tricks with the ball - as a replacement for the departing Jack Wighton.But after doing their due diligence, the Raiders decided Amone wasn't a good fit and have dropped off the chase.

Kyle Flanagan over Ben Hunt?

So what will new Dragons coach Shane Flanagan do with his utility signing, son Kyle Flanagan?The youngster's preferred position is at halfback but he can also play five-eighth and hooker.The problem is Shane already has one of the best halves in the game in Ben Hunt.His plan I'm hearing is to play Kyle at No.7 and Hunt at No.6 - and I'm not sure how that will go down with Hunt, who is already unhappy at the Dragons and wanting out.Kyle's signing hasn't gone down well with all Dragons fans - at least one has written to the club handing back his membership while fan sites have been scathing on the coach's decision to bring his boy onboard.With Kyle Flanagan signing up at the Dragons, the club is looking to move on promising playmaker Junior Amone.The Raiders showed some interest in Amone - a guy with some smart tricks with the ball - as a replacement for the departing Jack Wighton.But after doing their due diligence, the Raiders decided Amone wasn't a good fit and have dropped off the chase.

Hopes of Flanagan move end

Jake Arthur's move to Manly has scuttled any hopes of unwanted Bulldog Kyle Flanagan going to the Sea Eagles.Former Sharks coach Shane Flanagan - now an assistant coach at Brookvale - was keen to get Kyle a start with the club and the Bulldogs would not have stood in his way.But Arthur's move to Manly on Monday means he will fill the extra utility back/halfback role and there is no chance of Flanagan making the switch.The Sea Eagles got Arthur for a bargain price and it is win/win for the promising number seven.He gets a fresh start away from his dad Brad - and that means the barrage of hateful social media he has been copping from so-called 'fans' will come to an end.

Dogs boss' stunning admission amid Flanagan mess

The future of Kyle Flanagan seems no clearer, after conflicting messages from his father and Manly assistant coach Shane Flanagan and Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs general manager Phil Gould.Flanagan was subject to rumours of a reunion with his father at Manly after the halfback was dropped to NSW Cup by Canterbury coach Cameron Ciraldo last week.However, denials have come from Ciraldo and Gould in the aftermath, while his father Shane has said, "I don't think he'll stay there".Flanagan was shifted to hooker in NSW Cup on Sunday and played one of his best games of the season, impressing onlookers Gould and Ciraldo.Prior to the match, reports were he was set for an immediate switch to Manly, however Ciraldo stated he "knew nothing about that" in his press conference after his side's win over the Dragons. Gould confirmed the Bulldogs' stance, claiming there'd been no interest expressed from the Sea Eagles. "I haven't had one approach, haven't had anyone call me about it whatsoever, it's just another bit of scuttlebutt in the media," he said on Nine's 100% Footy."I don't know what's brought the story up."Kyle Flanagan was confused because he rang the coach on Saturday night the first time he saw the report, saying 'I know nothing about this'."We haven't even spoken to him, it's not even an issue."After applauding Flanagan's performance in NSW Cup, stating it was "one of his better games of the season", Gould doubled down on the rumours linking the former Roosters half away from the club."Where this other stuff came from I've got no idea, and no one has spoken to me," he said."People are reporting deals are done and expected immediately. I don't know how they're going to do that without talking to me, and no one has spoken to me."Despite the defiant stance of Gould, his comments seem to be somewhat at odds with Shane Flanagan, who didn't completely shut down the rumours."There's a little bit of truth to it, but it's a long way off ... There's been no conversation, his manager's been overseas," he said on 2GB's Wide World of Sports radio.

Matt Burton ready to take full control as Bulldogs No.7

Cameron Ciraldo claims Matt Burton is now ready to take full ownership of Canterbury's attack after handing him the No.7 jersey for the first time against Cronulla.Burton will move into the halfback role on Saturday night, in a jersey swap that puts the No.6 on Kyle Flanagan's back.Ciraldo is well aware he could have given Burton more responsibility without swapping numbers, but wanted to make his intentions clear after talking with Burton in recent weeks about taking on more responsibility."We want Matt to step up and take ownership of the team," the Bulldogs coach said."I feel like he is ready for that. A while back he probably wasn't ready for that. But he has really grown into the leadership role, he is one of our on-field captains."The change of jersey is a little bit symbolic as well with where we can go with our footy."The move will also take some pressure off Flanagan, also allowing him to focus more on his edge and smaller areas of his game.But it is with Burton the biggest change will come.Traditionally known as a five-eighth in his early years at Penrith, Ciraldo worked with him in both the No.6 jersey and at left centre while at the Panthers.He then played five-eighth exclusively since his arrival at Canterbury last year with the 23-year-old's skill best exhibited in the Bulldogs' last win, where he took charge late and kicked the golden-point field goal."It's what the team needs right now from Matt, but he has also matured over the past two years from when I last saw him at Penrith," Ciraldo said.

Bulldog's bold claim amid Cleary comparison

Bulldogs halfback Kyle Flanagan has vowed he will finally realise his full potential this NRL season.After being axed from the Roosters at the end of the 2020 season, Flanagan has faced two tough years at Belmore.But Flanagan says incoming senior coach Cameron Ciraldo has instilled in him the confidence to be himself and take the reins of the new-look Canterbury team.Speaking to 9News Sydney's Luke Dufficy, Flanagan admitted he has previously struggled to make an impact in the Bulldogs' attack."I feel like in my NRL career so far, I haven't shown a fair representation of myself on the big stage," he said."[But] I've always had the mentality to back myself and put in the hard work and I'll see the results."Last year, Flanagan rejected a huge offer to move to the English Super League after struggling to find consistency in the Bulldogs' lineup.The 24-year-old is now entering the final year of his three-season deal with Canterbury.With an injection of star power and new leadership with Ciraldo this season, the pressure on Flanagan to fire with his playmaking has never been greater.While playing an integral role in developing Nathan Cleary's craft while assisting at the Panthers, Flanagan says Ciraldo does not want him to be a carbon copy of the two-time premiership halfback."He wants me to go out there and be Kyle Flanagan," he said.