Why Dragons playmaker impressed Alexander the most over the weekend of trial matches

SEN’s Greg Alexander has praised the performance of St George Illawarra Dragons playmaker Kyle Flanagan after a strong showing against the Sydney Roosters in Sunday’s trial match.

The Dragons ran out 26-8 winners but all eyes were on the club’s new recruits in Clint Gutherson, Damien Cook and Flanagan’s new halves partner Lachlan Ilias and how they would play in new colours.

Alexander believes head coach Shane Flanagan will get the most out of his son Kyle and predicts he can lead the Dragons attack to a potential finals berth.

“I didn’t think Kyle could play (like that),” Alexander said on SEN 1170 Breakfast.

“I was impressed with him last year but I don’t know if he would be playing first grade if he was at any other club.

“There’s a lot of pressure on the Dragons’ halves this year with new recruit Lachlan Ilias and Kyle Flanagan.

“I thought Kyle Flanagan was a limited player but last year, he defended well and caught the defence napping every now and then.

“On Sunday against the Roosters, he scored a try and had two try assists in the first half hour of play. He also set up those two tries with a pass and a kick.

“Whatever Shane and the influence he has over his son, he is getting the absolute best out of his son.

“It was evident on Sunday night and I think he’s going to have a good year. Shane has got him playing his best football.

“Kyle couldn’t have done anymore on Sunday night.

“They jumped to an 18-nil lead very early in that game and I was impressed with the Dragons (and) it was the halves. The defence of both Ilias and Flanagan was outstanding.”

The Dragons’ final trial match is against the South Sydney Rabbitohs in Mudgee for the Charity Shield Cup on Saturday.