Kyle Flanagan will remain at St George Illawarra for the foreseeable future after he signed a two-year contract extension at the club.
Flanagan joined the Dragons ahead of the 2024 season after a challenging stretch at Canterbury and the Sydney Roosters that had many critics questioning his future in the NRL.
However, under the guidance of his dad and head coach, Shane Flanagan, the 26-year-old managed to resurrect his career last season while playing in the halves alongside Ben Hunt.
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Kyle Flanagan faces battle for his spot despite contract extension at the Dragons
The Red V will have a very different look about them in 2025 following Hunt's departure, with Lachlan Ilias drafted in to replace the former skipper at halfback.
Flanagan will have to forge a new partnership with the Greece international at five-eighth, while also likely having a new No.1 to call upon out the back due to Clint Gutherson's arrival from Parramatta.
Flanagan has committed through until the end of the 2027 season, although a looming battle awaits him in the not too distant future.
Earlier this week, the Dragons poached Daniel Atkinson from Cronulla with the utility handed an enticing deal.
Shane Flanagan highlighted how the 23-year-old's arrival will cause competition for places in the halves to ramp up at the club.
"Kyle was an integral part of our team this year and will continue to be an important player for us moving forward," the coach said.
"With Daniel Atkinson joining the club from 2026 that competition for spots across the key spine positions will strengthen the whole squad."
Flanagan featured in 20 games for the Dragons before a lengthy suspension for biting Stephen Crichton prematurely ended his campaign.
He crossed for five tries and provided four assists for the season, while taking a back seat to Hunt's control over the attack. He will now be expected to improve his productivity levels in Hunt's absence.
Meanwhile, Flanagan's versatility outside of the halves has also been cited as a major asset for the club going forward, as the Red V gear up for a new era during Shane Flanagan's second term in charge.
"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," the coach declared.
"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," St George Illawarra's CEO Ryan Webb added.
"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 for an additional two years."
