Shane Flanagan has declared he treats son Kyle Flanagan "exactly the same" as his Dragons teammates.
The Red V coach has rubbished any suggestions of favouritism following his decision to drop halfback Lachlan Ilias for Magic Round.
Rising teenager Lyhkan King-Togia has earned the No. 7 jersey and will partner five-eighth Flanagan in the halves against the Tigers on Saturday night.
Coach Flanagan notes that his son's performances this season have warranted his spot in the starting lineup.
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The 26-year-old has scored four tries and assisted two so far in 2025.
Ilias, on the other hand, has scored none and bagged two try assists.
"But Kyle has been one of our best players this year," the former premiership-winning coach told the Sydney Morning Herald.
"When that happens, it does make it easier. Kyle has scored four tries, and he’s been setting up tries.
"His form has been fine. This year and last year, he was excellent. I’ve got no problems there.
"If he doesn’t play well, he doesn’t play. He’d be gone. There’s no difference.
"I treat Kyle exactly the same as everyone else."
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The Dragons sit 10th on the ladder with a 3-4 record heading into their Magic Round clash.
Defeat to the Tigers would see them succumb to back-to-back losses for the second time this season.