The St George Illawarra Dragons have received a boost ahead of the 2025 NRL season, with five-eighth Kyle Flanagan signing a contract extension that will keep him in the Red V through 2027. The 24-year-old playmaker, who joined the Dragons in 2024, emerged as a key cog in coach Shane Flanagan’s offense this past year.
Kyle’s re-signing comes just a day after the Dragons announced the acquisition of promising young half Daniel Atkinson from 2026 onwards. With incumbent halfback Ben Hunt departing for the Dolphins, Flanagan and new recruit Lachlan Ilias are set to form the club’s halves pairing next season.
Building Blocks for the Future
Coach Shane Flanagan, who also happens to be Kyle’s father, emphasized the five-eighth’s importance to the team moving forward. “Kyle was an integral part of our team this year and will continue to be an important player for us,” he stated, expressing confidence in his son’s ability to steer the ship in Hunt’s absence.
The younger Flanagan’s retention, coupled with Ilias’ arrival from the Rabbitohs and Atkinson’s impending move from the Sharks, gives the Dragons a solid foundation to build upon in the halves. The club will be banking on this trio to gel quickly and exceed the modest expectations many have placed on them.
Ton-Up Flanagan Set for Round 1 Return
Kyle Flanagan will be aiming to make a strong start to the 2025 campaign when he likely runs out for his 100th NRL game in Round 1 against the Bulldogs. It will mark his return from a four-match suspension incurred late last season for biting Canterbury skipper Stephen Crichton.
The crafty half has shown an ability to bounce back from adversity throughout his nomadic career, which has included stints at the Sharks, Roosters and Bulldogs. The Dragons will be counting on him to put the suspension behind him and take firm command of their attack.
Pressure to Perform in Revamped Roster
While Kyle Flanagan and Ilias appear to have first crack at the halves spots, they’ll face stiff competition for their jerseys once Atkinson enters the fray. The Sharks product turned heads with assured displays deputizing for Braydon Trindall and Nicho Hynes during Cronulla’s run to the prelims.
How well Flanagan and Ilias combine, and how quickly they adjust to a new-look Dragons outfit, may well determine their long-term job security. With the likes of Clint Gutherson, Damien Cook and Valentine Holmes also joining the Red V in the offseason, there will be no shortage of star power – or scrutiny – in Wollongong.
Bouncing Back from Brutal End to 2024
For the Dragons to return to finals football and vindicate their active recruiting drive, they’ll need Flanagan and co. firing from the get-go. The club will still be smarting from their shattering final round loss to the Eels that cost them a top eight berth in Shane Flanagan’s first year at the helm.
- Securing Kyle Flanagan’s services for an extra three seasons is an important piece of business as the Dragons build toward a more successful future.
- How he meshes with Ilias and the other new recruits could make or break the joint-venture’s 2025 campaign before Atkinson even arrives to add further intrigue to the halves equation.
