Kyle Flanagan has been the quiet achiever at the Roosters in 2020.
After the first two rounds, Flanagan copped a lot of flack from fans, journalists and people in and around the game.
A lot of people gave him flack for not producing much in attack and asking whether he will be as good as Cooper Cronk but as soon as he starts achieving and producing stuff in attack, we forget about him and don’t talk about him as much.
Luke Keary – even though he plays five-eighth – has been the main playmaker, which has left the 21-year-old to play his own style of game and allows him to be freed up on attack.
(Photo by Jason McCawley/Getty Images)
Eight games into his Roosters career and he has already scored four tries, forced four goal-line drop-outs, four try assists and achieved an 85 per cent tackle efficiency, which for a halfback is very good.
I know on Thursday night they didn’t beat the Melbourne Storm. When you actually re-watch the game and Brandon Smith in the lead-up to Ryan Papenhuyzen’a field goal, he knocked the ball in the play-the-ball, which lead to golden point and that ultimately led to the Storm winning 27-25.
The Roosters – on the ladder – could’ve been sitting on top if they beat the Storm but the loss sees them currently sit fourth with a monstrous points differential of 130 with the next best being current top-of-the-table team in Parramatta with 70.
Kyle Flanagan has been the quiet achiever but he deserves some sort of wrap because he also leads the competition in points with 92 with the next best being the best player in the game, Cameron Smith, with 62.
That is a 30-point difference. He also leads the competition in goals with 38 and the next best is that man again Cameron Smith with 31.
When Flanagan eventually finds his feet and shows us why the Roosters signed him – because the Roosters wouldn’t have signed Flanagan if they didn’t think he was the right guy – Flanagan could be a very dangerous player on attack if he gets the combination going with James Tedesco, Keary, Angus Crichton and the Morris brothers this year.
The Barry
Roar Guru
I’ve seen cleaner looking play the balls than that get pulled up It’s a 50/50 - it went the Storms way and they were good enough to capitalise
Flexis
Roar Rookie
I think we all missed it during the game. Wonder why ;) Have since watched the slow motion zoomed in replay and he kept his hands on the ball at all times, and even struck the ball with his foot. Would love to see more play the balls like it.
The Barry
Roar Guru
I missed it during the game but it was a massive fumble
The Barry
Roar Guru
I think Flanagan is doing well. Robinson’s not over burdening him with responsibility and why would you when you have Keary He’s playing a simple role but doing it very well. Distributing the ball, kicking well and backing up Funny at the start of the year it was all about how will he fill Cooper Cronk’s shoes. Now it’s anyone can play halfback for the Roosters
Tim Buck 3
Roar Rookie
As Muzz says “six again” is called for any defensive ruck infringement and this was done to increase the speed of the game by reducing the time wasted on kicking for goal. This effectively makes it a differential penalty, a penalty where you can't kick for goal. This new rule will ensure there are more defensive ruck infringements as a strong defence will gladly infringe knowing the attacking team can't score points as they can't kick goals anymore. Cheeting is encouraged in an attempt to make Rugby League fast and reduce the time kicking for goal when they should just stop the clock while the kicker is preparing to kick or only allow drop kicks for a penalty conversion.
Tim Buck 3
Roar Rookie
As Muzz says “six again” is called for any defensive ruck infringement and this was done to increase the speed of the game by reducing the time wasted on kicking for goal. This effectively makes it a differential penalty, a penalty where you can't kick for goal. This new rule will ensure there are more defensive ruck infringements as a strong defence will gladly infringe knowing the attacking team can't score points as they can't kick goals anymore. Cheating is encouraged in an attempt to make Rugby League fast and reduce the time kicking for goal when they should just stop the clock while the kicker is preparing to kick or only allow drop kicks for a penalty conversion.
Muzz
Guest
Hence a faster and more engaging contest that is appealing to the viewer $
Muzz
Guest
"six again" is called for any defensive ruck infringement. Hand on the ball, crowding etc. It was introduced to speed up the game. It allows the attacking team to build momentum.
Herewegoagain
Guest
Perhaps you should text Robbo your number just in case Flano calls in sick on game day.
AxeMaster
Roar Rookie
Hello, I have been watching League for quite a few years now but still not 100% on all the rules. During the Storm v Roosters game the other night there were some occasions when a team would complete a set then start another set straight away and you'd see a highlighted red box with something like repeat set or something I can't remember now. Why are teams getting another set again and is it one of the new rules for 2020? Thanks for reading.
Superspud
Roar Rookie
Good point about Keary. His best games over the past 2 years has been when Cronk was out. Or on the field as a non participant. Keary is the dominant half now no question but to say that the Roosters can put any nuffy in the 7 and still be successful is a ridiculous argument. Flanagan is still learning and is far from the finished product but the boy can play.
jamesb
Roar Guru
As long as Luke Keary is there, he will help out the halfback, no matter who it is. Speaking of which, when he was at Souths, Keary was more of a subordinate to A.Reynolds. Ever since he has gone to the Roosters, he has taken his game to another level. It takes time for halfbacks and five eighths to come through.
Superspud
Roar Rookie
And then a year later Mitchell Pearce wasn't even considered good enough. Maybe Ben Hunt could win a premiership there.
jamesb
Roar Guru
Yep, anyone can play halfback for the Roosters. Have a look at 2016 when Pearce served a long suspension. The Roosters had no problems at all.
Superspud
Roar Rookie
So anyone can play halfback for the Roosters and they still win?
max power
Guest
tired? i would say accurate
max power
Guest
Kyle Flanagan - the passenger that gets to play with the roosters and convert their tries
Pickett
Roar Rookie
He is coming along nicely.
souvalis
Roar Rookie
Possibly, but who wouldn’t jump at the opportunity of playing under Robbo with the world champions.
kk
Roar Pro
Was it a case of No Shane: No Kyle.?