Kyle Flanagan may see playing time at hooker for the St George Illawarra Dragons in their clash with the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs in Las Vegas this weekend, as the team navigates the absence of Jacob Liddle, according to reports.
The potential shift in Flanagan’s role comes as the Dragons confirmed Matthew Feagai will arrive off the bench for their match against the Bulldogs, following the cutting of two players from their initial squad. Meanwhile, the Bulldogs are set to welcome back wingers Jacob Kiraz and Marcelo Montoya, along with Matt Burton, after concerns over injuries.
Elsewhere in Las Vegas, the Newcastle Knights will face the North Queensland Cowboys. Knights coach Justin Holbrook has indicated his confidence in Dylan Brown’s ability to perform at halfback, despite it being a less frequent role for the player. Holbrook stated Brown’s versatility and comfort in organizing the side would be key, and anticipates a dynamic partnership with Fletcher Sharpe.
The Cowboys have confirmed star recruit Reed Mahoney is expected to play a full 80 minutes, with coach Todd Payten praising his leadership and impact on the team. Still, the Cowboys have dropped John Bateman and Harrison Edwards from their bench, with Matthew Lodge and Robert Derby taking their places. Griffin Neame has been cleared of a shoulder injury and is set to play.
The Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo confirmed Kiraz, Montoya and Burton are all fit to play, stating they wouldn’t have been brought to Las Vegas if they weren’t ready. Sam Hughes will replace Leo Thompson in the front row.
The Dragons will see Valentine Holmes start on the right edge, switching from his usual position on the left. Lyhkan King-Togia is likely to come into the halves, potentially allowing Flanagan to shift to hooker if Damien Cook doesn’t play a full game.
The Knights and Cowboys will kick off at 1:15pm AEDT, followed by the Bulldogs and Dragons at 3:30pm AEDT. Further NRL matches are scheduled for later in the week, including Storm vs Eels on March 5th, and Warriors vs Roosters and Broncos vs Panthers on March 6th.
