Kyle Flanagan has signed a three-year contract with Canterbury as the Sydney Roosters look to create more space in their salary cap to sign Jake Friend and the Morris twins – and possibly Joseph Suaalli
On the same day, Flanagan bonded with the Bulldogs in what he dubbed a ‘rollercoaster year’ – the deal will be announced Tuesday morning – the Roosters officially contacted South Sydney to release Suaalli from the last year of his contract
The teen sensation has been offered a long-term, big-money deal by the Suds, but wants to play for their bitter rivals The Roosters have been signaling for several weeks that they are keen to recruit the 17-year-old, a fan of coach Trent Robinson
The Roosters will get some of Flanagan’s tab back for next year, but any money released will be used to keep their experienced trio rather than getting Suaalli, who will be on minimum wage for 2021 The move of forward Poasa Faamausili to St George Illawarra also relieved some of the pressure at the Chooks’ cap
Just days after the Roosters were bombarded out of the final race and failed in their quest for a three-lap title, Flanagan, in his first year at Bondi, learned he was not not in the club’s plans
Canterbury coach Trent Barrett has pounced on the playmaker Barrett’s next assignment is set to be Matt Burton, who remains signed at Penrith until the end of next season but has struggled to take a start behind Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luai
« Shocked and disappointed I want to thank everyone involved in my time at @sydneyroosters A year of roller coasters but full of memories that I will remember forever, » Flanagan posted on Instagram
« For the fans, I appreciate the continued support, it was unreal. To the guys, I loved every minute with you guys # 1191 »
Cronulla played late for his former playmaker with a three-year contract that fell well short of Canterbury’s offer, while there was genuine interest from at least two other NRL clubs
Roosters should count on Luke Keary with Lachie Lam or Sam Walker to partner with him
Kyle Flanagan
World News – UA – Kyle Flanagan becomes Bulldog as Roosters step up bid for Suaalli
