Rugby league great Greg Alexander thinks Kyle Flanagan must revamp his game to secure his long-term future at NRL level.
The 22-year-old halfback was hooked by Canterbury coach Trent Barrett at half-time of the Bulldogs’ 32-12 loss to St George Illawarra, with Alexander believing he needs to become more of a threat with the ball.
The playmaker is nine games into a three-year deal at the Belmore club, and Alexander told Matt White on SEN 1170 Mornings that he needs to learn to use his legs.
“That’s not good as a halfback, when you get replaced there’s no worse feeling,” Alexander said.
“Trent (Barrett) will have to go through and discuss Kyle’s game.
“Generally, he (Flanagan) is good at the skills that a halfback requires, and that is kicking and passing.
“He’s competent, but he’s got to run the ball, you can’t be a halfback and just be a run-kick halfback, you can’t do that.”
Alexander compared Flanagan’s game to a star playmaker who also had to learn that aspect of his game.
“That’s where Adam Reynolds has got himself into trouble in previous years,” Alexander explained.
“If you’re not a threat with the ball, that means the defence doesn’t have to worry about you, and If you don’t run forward, you don’t engage those inside defenders then nothing happens.
“If you’re not a threat, nothing happens on the outside either.”
The Penrith legend feels that if Flanagan can’t learn to run the ball, he’ll soon find himself out of the NRL.
“Kyle needs to sit down, look at his game, and get the basics right," he said.
“If he doesn’t run the footy, then, well he won’t stay in the NRL.”
All eyes will be on Canterbury’s team list on Tuesday to see if Barrett sticks with Flanagan at number seven for their clash against Canberra on Saturday.