Kyle Flanagan

[Tommy Smith]

Amidst all the hoopla of the Latrine Bitchtits Soap Opera, I think it's been somewhat forgotten (even though we all know this) that our 2020 season is going to hinge considerably on the success of Kyle Flanagan in replacing the Great One.

Did anyone watch much of him for Cronulla last year? What are his strengths and where does he need to improve?

From what I recall he seemed like a very composed and polished halfback. Not a game breaker, but potentially an excellent organiser. He also appears to possess an excellent short kicking game.

Not particularly quick and lacking in acceleration? But not glacially slow to the point where it's an issue like Jackson Hastings.

Again these are pretty base observations as I didn't see a lot of him.

And what of his defence? Any insights there? He's replacing the best defensive half/5-8 I've seen since the days of Freddy. And how Flanno slots into the line alongside Joey Manu, who turned into a beast of a defender alongside Cronk, may also define our season.

One thing is for sure: he's walking into a perfect situation to develop his game, alongside a great roster and the best coaching in the comp.

And I don't know about you but I for one am prepared to give him at least 2 games before I write him off. Hell, maybe even 3.

[Thirteen]

I think he is solid and will organise the team very well under the guidance of Cronk. I don’t expect individual brilliance from him.

The young fella Sam Walker should be an exciting prospect too in the future. He seems more of the individual brilliance type if you watch the footage of him.

When watching Cronulla I saw Flanagan miss a few goals and the commentators said this was unusual because he had a very high strike rate in reserve grade. I’m sure with experience in first grade he will gain more composure and be a very good kicker for us.

He does seem a little slow but I saw a report on the news where he was doing private sessions with an accomplished sprint trainer.

I think he is a very astute buy for us.

[crikey chris]

Apparently kicked a "million" goals in reserve grade but very hit and miss in the top grade. Probably just inexperience and nerves.

The little I have seen, seems like a no frills solid organising type of half. Kicking game is good. But defense is a worry. We will miss Cooper's defence.

Having Cooper on the payroll is an absolute bonus, and should do wonders for Kyle.

He will be thrown into the deep end. Sink or swim time.

[Easts75]

I can't see him failing as he appears to be a very solid well rounded player. ...but that may not be enough to keep Walker at bay moving ahead

[Rooster_6]

Hard to think of many 21yr old halves who have had good, consistent seasons at such a young age. It's a real position of knowledge and experience.

I expect Keary to become even more dominant on the ball than he even was this year. The question will be how much does that take away from his ability to ad lib and then how much do we miss that creativity.

I expect we will see a very different attacking unit this year with Keary, Manu and Radley all having much more significant roles.

[The Skeez]

I’ve backed him for Dally M

[zac]

You'd figure Robbo and Cronk will be telling him what his job is and that he doesn't have to win the game by himself. I think he led an understrength Cronulla side to a victory over the Storm last year with a very good short kicking game. Has said sensible things in interviews.

[Mickie Lane]

He comes from good stock & his old man is a lovely bloke who will give him plenty of tips.
I just hope he grows a mo.

[Johnny Tobin]

Lovely bloke? You have lost the plot.

[trewhella]

When we fail he will cop some heat.
not that excited about him at all
kicking game great
passing game ok
running game avg


hard working....not a natural

[Darkone]

You'd figure Robbo and Cronk will be telling him what his job is and that he doesn't have to win the game by himself. I think he led an understrength Cronulla side to a victory over the Storm last year with a very good short kicking game. Has said sensible things in interviews.

I watched that game, a full strength Storm side was fair dinkum.

Flanno did not flinch, he worked well with his back row. I thought at the time he could be a prospect for us till Sam Walker grows.

[stringaz]

Lovely bloke? You have lost the plot.

lol

[2013PREMIERS]

Thought the Cronulla side looked better with him in it but they were never gonna drop Johnson or Townsend. Give him time, he will continue to grow and develop as the year goes on

[Salvatori Grubber]

When we fail he will cop some heat.
not that excited about him at all
kicking game great
passing game ok
running game avg


hard working....not a natural

Is that a haiku?

[Teddy]

Hard to think of many 21yr old halves who have had good, consistent seasons at such a young age. It's a real position of knowledge and experience.

I expect Keary to become even more dominant on the ball than he even was this year. The question will be how much does that take away from his ability to ad lib and then how much do we miss that creativity.

I expect we will see a very different attacking unit this year with Keary, Manu and Radley all having much more significant roles.

I agree with Radley being a focal point in attack, also I would love to see more of Manu looking for the ball maybe sweeping around to the left or going through the middle when forwards are tired.