Canterbury Bulldogs recruit Kyle Flanagan is a certainty to start the season at halfback for his new club in 2021 - but who is going to partner him?
The 22-year old left the Sydney Roosters after a rollercoaster season under Trent Robinson, and linked up with the Bulldogs on a three-year deal.
Flanagan will wear the No.7 for the Belmore-based outfit this season under new coach Trent Barrett, but there are major question marks over who will play five-eighth.
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Lachlan Lewis has been a mainstay in the halves for Canterbury in recent seasons, while Brandon Wakeham has played for Fiji at international level.
But speaking on The Scope Podcast with former NRL star Justin Horo, Flanagan revealed that young gun Jake Averillo is the front-runner to partner him in the opening round.
“Everyone has been having a go there at six, and everyone is a bit different," he said.
"I will give a shout-out to Jake Averillo, he has been going quite good.
"He is a runner, he’s got X-factor about him and there is something special about him. He is the big name that I think will have a big year in first grade.
"He would be a good chance if I was a punter."
Averillo played 13 games in 2020, scoring three tries and setting up another four, spending time in the centres and on the wing as well as five-eighth.
Flanagan also highlighted Matt Doorey as a player to watch for the Bulldogs this year, with the second-rower signing a contract extension with the club earlier this week.
The halfback spoke highly of Canterbury's defence - led by captain Josh Jackson - and believes their attack will benefit from having a new coach in Barrett.
“I was quite surprised when I rocked up, there are some real good kids coming through," he said.
"I guess talking about their defence – it starts with Josh Jackson. The first day I rocked up there, he starts the defence and that’s his attitude and how hard he works.
"Under Baz, I’m sure our attack will look a lot better and the defence last year, they always turned up and tried their hardest.
"You’ve only got to score 18 points to win these days, and I’m sure we can do that."
Canterbury will kick off their 2021 campaign against the Newcastle Knights on March 12.
