Latest news with #KyleFlanagan
News.com.au
08-07-2025
- Sport
- News.com.au
‘He insists it's a gee-up': Dragons come clean on burger celebration
The Dragons were forced to investigate and later clarify post-try celebrations by their players after a report claimed there were concerns it was being made in relation to Kyle Flanagan. Flanagan's place in the team has been a constant source of debate, to the extent that rival coach Ricky Stuart even leapt to his defence in the aftermath of the Raiders' win over the Dragons. FOX LEAGUE, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every game of every round in the 2025 NRL Telstra Premiership, LIVE with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer. Now, The Sydney Morning Herald's Danny Weidler reported on Sunday that an on-field gesture had led to allegations of a player-led bullying campaign at the club. Weidler reported that sources close to the playing group told him that the 'burger' sign which some players made after scoring tries was meant to insinuate that someone is a 'Derrick'. CEO Tim Watsford, however, denied that was the case in an interview with the Herald and said as much to The Daily Telegraph's Brent Read, explaining it is a 'term of endearment' and more of an inside joke that only the players themselves would understand. Phil 'Buzz' Rothfield, meanwhile, said on NRL 360 that he spoke with Damien Cook's agent, who then asked the Dragons hooker for more of an explanation. 'He insists, and he did one too, it's an in-house gee-up thing,' Rothfield said. If true, it would only add another layer to the Flanagan drama at the club, but NRL 360 co-host Braith Anasta said he found the claim 'very hard to believe'. 'Unless you've got solid evidence of that, because this is personal because it's his teammates and suggesting he's being visibly called a burger by his teammates on the field while they're standing next to him and you've got no real evidence of that apart from hearsay,' Anasta said. 'We talk about being critical of players, and Kyle is no exception to that in terms of his performance, but this is different. This is personal. This is probably what Ricky Stuart was referring to. You're going beyond criticism of performance.' 'It's a horrific insinuation that teammates would do this sort of thing,' added Read.
ABC News
07-07-2025
- Sport
- ABC News
InZane Rugby League: John Lang - Kyle Flanagan plays his best football under Shane
On Inzane Rugby league on ABC Sport, Zane Bojack and former Raiders halfback Sam Williams spoke to 2003 Panthers premiership coach John Lang about the complexities of coaching son Martin in the NRL amid the continued criticism of Kyle Flanagan by social media. Lang also explained how inspirational Arthur Beetson was in the very first State of Origin game in 1980 as Josh Papalii tries to emulate big Artie in Wednesday's decider. He revealed he knocked back the Queensland coaching gig due to financial restraints at Cronulla-Sutherland when he was head coach. Sam Williams also gave his opinion about the criticism of Kyle and Shane Flanagan and suggested the Bulldogs are reaping what they sowed after disrupting their line up mid-season with the signing of Lachie Galvin.
News.com.au
06-07-2025
- Sport
- News.com.au
‘It's a disgrace': Ricky Stuart blows up over Kyle Flanagan situation
Raiders coach Ricky Stuart has launched a passionate defence of Dragons playmaker Kyle Flanagan after he was booed by the Canberra faithful during his side's 28-24 win. FOX LEAGUE, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every game of every round in the 2025 NRL Telstra Premiership, LIVE with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer > Raiders fans booed Flanagan as he lined up a conversion in the first half, but dad Shane was caught off-guard when questioned about it post match. 'Never heard it. What would the crowd be booing Kyle for?' Flanagan asked. 'Just kicking the conversion early in the game, they were quite passionate,' the journalist replied. 'I think they do that, so good on them, it's going to happen everywhere,' Flanagan said. However, Stuart was fuming at the journalist over the question. 'Probably a poor question too when you ask Shane about his son,' Stuart said. 'I think it is a disgrace how you guys in the media are just absolutely bashing the kid publicly. 'And that question there about the booing, like honestly, I have got a son playing and that's my biggest fear, you people. 'Not him, but the media. The way he is being portrayed in the media at the moment that poor kid. 'I went up to him after the game and took him aside and spoke to him. I've known him since he has been a little boy. 'He was the leader tonight. He led the charge in terms of them getting back into that game. 'I think it is a disgrace that his so-called Dragons supporters, the social media and the bulls*** that he has to listen to and cop. 'It is something I just don't like. He is a better football player than he is being given credit for. 'The way that boy has handled that from a mental point of view to be able to turn up every week and he said, I'm tough enough I'll handle it. 'I know he is, but it's awful. He led the charge for them tonight and they nearly came back on the back of him to winning that game.' Stuart accused the media of playing games with Flanagan. 'It becomes a game with the media reporting what social media says,' Stuart said. 'You have got to actually look at some of these people involved. It would be torture for his mother. 'I know his old man will handle it, but it would be torture for his mother. Can you imagine if it was one of yours. That's when it becomes real.' Stuart echoed Flanagan's sentiments on the fans booing. 'Were they all Raiders fans were they?' Stuart said. 'They always boo goal kickers. How many games do you go to? I want them to boo their goal kicker. They can throw cans at him for all I care. I want them to boo a bloody goal kicker. That's their job.' Braith Anasta blasted the question as an attempt from a reporter to get a reaction. 'Whoever asked that question, it is one of the stupidest questions I have ever heard,' Anasta said. 'They either know nothing about rugby league or they are just trying to incite a reaction. 'To ask a question about him being booed kicking a goal. Every player gets booed kicking a goal and this reporter has just singled Kyle out because he is in the media at the moment and has pressure on him and there is speculation about his position. 'It is really unprofessional from the reporter who asked that.' Cooper Cronk agreed with Stuart that social media trolls don't deserve airtime. 'I agree with what Ricky said, about giving air time to people whose opinion don't really matter a hell of a lot,' Cronk said. 'You don't listen to people you don't talk to. I agree with what Ricky said. It was the right thing. 'But at the end of the day, people who love our game the fans, like I have been booed at every stadium I have gone to.' Adam Reynolds believes it is harder for people close to players than the players sometimes. 'It is tougher on the external people around you,' Reynolds said. 'Like they said, his mother and sisters, they are the ones that have to deal with it on a daily basis as well. 'It is not just Kyle and the players who are getting targeted. It is the families. 'Social media is so out there these days that it is so easy to get access to players. It can come across a bit offensive at times, but if you read it and listen to it then you are in the wrong sport.' Mal Meninga called for government action against social media abuse. 'I am not on social media for that very reason,' Meninga said. 'The question was stupid and good on Shane and Ricky for protecting young Kyle. 'I get frustrated because I am in the twilight of my life and players have to put up with that sort of crap and then it is the ripple effect. 'It is not just the individual it is everybody that knows him. The family and its stupid. 'They get away with anonymity of it all and not actually disclosing their names. I don't understand how they can do that. How they can come out and criticise people when their name is not to it. 'It is getting to a stage where the government has to do something about it.'
Daily Mail
06-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Raiders coach Ricky Stuart slams reporters over Kyle Flanagan situation: 'It's a disgrace'
Raiders coach Ricky Stuart has taken an enormous swipe at reporters after Dragons playmaker Kyle Flanagan was booed in Canberra. Canberra are eyeing a first minor premiership in 35 years after hat-trick hero Kaeo Weekes inspired a 28-24 defeat of gallant St George Illawarra at GIO Stadium. With their seventh consecutive win, Canberra move two competition points clear atop the NRL ladder and enjoy a favourable run to finals. However, Stuart was left fuming with the media after a reporter asked Dragons coach Shane Flanagan about his son being booed at GIO Stadium. 'Probably a poor question too when you ask Shane about his son,' Stuart said. 'I think it is a disgrace how you guys in the media are just absolutely bashing the kid publicly. And that question there about the booing, like honestly, I have got a son playing and that's my biggest fear, you people. 'Not him, but the media. The way he is being portrayed in the media at the moment that poor kid. 'I went up to him after the game and took him aside and spoke to him. I've known him since he has been a little boy. 'He was the leader tonight. He led the charge in terms of them getting back into that game. 'I think it is a disgrace that his so-called Dragons supporters, the social media and the bulls**t that he has to listen to and cop... You have got to actually look at some of these people involved. 'It would be torture for his mother. I know his old man will handle it, but it would be torture for his mother. Can you imagine if it was one of yours. That's when it becomes real.' The Raiders still have two byes to come across the last nine rounds of the regular season and face only two sides that began this weekend in the top eight - fewer than minor premiership rivals Canterbury and Melbourne. 'I was that confident we were going to be a good team this year, no I didn't think we were going to be where we are today,' said Stuart. 'But their hard work, commitment, our leadership and their buy-in has got us in a healthy position at the moment.' Since their inaugural season 44 years ago, the Raiders have claimed the minor premiership just once before: in 1990, with a team boasting Mal Meninga, Laurie Daley and Stuart. After an early dogfight against the Dragons, hat-trick hero Kaeo Weekes came up with a performance to rival any of those men.
Yahoo
06-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
'It is a disgrace': Ricky rages over question as Dragons incident comes to light
Ricky Stuart has taken an extraordinary swipe at the media after being asked a question about an incident involving Dragons half Kyle Flanagan during Saturday night's game against Canberra. Stuart's Raiders took another giant step towards clinching the NRL minor premiership by hanging on for a 28-24 win in a controversial clash at GIO Stadium. But the Raiders coach was livid in his post-match press conference after being asked about a section of home fans that booed Dragons No.7 Flanagan during the game. The halfback - and son of coach Shane Flanagan - has come in for heavy criticism during St George Illawarra's stuttering season, with many critics suggesting his ongoing selection reeks of nepotism. The young half was subjected to booing from Canberra fans during Saturday night's game, prompting a reporter to ask the Dragons coach about the backlash against his son. 'Never heard it. What would the crowd be booing Kyle for?' Flanagan senior asked. 'I think they do that, so good on them, it's going to happen everywhere. Stuart wasn't so quick to brush it off though and credited the young Flanagan with masterminding the Dragons' comeback against his side. But the Canberra coach - whose son Jed plays on the wing for him at the Raiders - took aim at the media for fuelling the commentary around the opposition playmaker. 'Probably a poor question too when you ask Shane about his son,' Stuart said. 'I think it is a disgrace how you guys in the media are just absolutely bashing the kid publicly. And that question there about the booing, like honestly, I have got a son playing and that's my biggest fear, you people. 'Not him, but the media. The way he is being portrayed in the media at the moment that poor kid. I went up to him after the game and took him aside and spoke to him. I've known him since he has been a little boy. He was the leader tonight. He led the charge in terms of them getting back into that game. 'I think it is a disgrace that his so-called Dragons supporters, the social media and the bulls**t that he has to listen to and cop... You have got to actually look at some of these people involved. It would be torture for his mother. I know his old man will handle it, but it would be torture for his mother. Can you imagine if it was one of yours. That's when it becomes real.' RELATED: Another Bulldogs player set to leave in fresh fallout to Lachie Galvin move Cleary calls for NRL to make big change after issue that dudded Panthers Teammate follows Cobbo out of Broncos as Roosters lose star's brother Victory for Stuart's side saw them maintain their two-point advantage at the top of the ladder - with two byes still to come - following Melbourne's victory over North Queensland in the night's later game. But the Raiders once again did it the hard way after letting their opponents back into the contest, following a stunning hat-trick from Kaeo Weekes. The third for the Raiders fullback was described by many fans as the try of the season as Weekes caught a high ball deep in his own half, beat a slew of defenders and raced the best part of 90 metres to score. Down by 16 points with less than 20 minutes to go, the Dragons set up a grandstand finish with tries to Tyrell Sloan and Flanagan reducing the deficit to four. Canberra ultimately held off the fast-finishing Dragons, whose coach suggested they were robbed of a Sloan try in the first half that was chalked off due to a contentious forward pass call. 'When you're a side flying high like the Raiders, you probably see that they get the bounce of the ball and they deserve it because they're at the top of the table," the Dragons coach said. "And when you're where we're at in the middle of the table sometimes you feel that you just don't get the rub of the green, so it's a tough one and in the end that's the difference.' Shane Flanagan was fuming at a shocking forward pass call in his side's loss to the Raiders 😡The Dragons' coach believes his side should have 👉 — Fox League (@FOXNRL) July 5, 2025 You can't call that pass to Sloan are they looking at?Ridiculous..#nrlraidersdragons 🏉🏉...not even close... — Rabbitears (@MBeadon) July 5, 2025 Shane Flanagan was fuming in the post-game press conference over a forward pass call that denied Tyrell Sloan a try in the four point loss to Canberra. Also again alluded to the idea that lower ranked clubs don't get the rub of the green. — The League Scene (@LeagueScenePod) July 5, 2025
