A pair of Sydney Roosters superstars have praised Kyle Flanagan’s handling of his shock exit and predicted big things ahead for the rookie playmaker.
Flanagan’s departure from the Chooks after just one season was confirmed on Monday night, with the 22-year-old promptly signing a three-year deal with Canterbury.
“I thought he handled it well, he handled it professionally and for such a young kid he hasn’t played many games, he’s developing his game and yeah, I thought he handled it really well,” Roosters five-eighth Luke Keary said from the NSW Blues’ camp.
“… This happens to a lot of players, you move clubs early in your career.
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“It happened to myself (at South Sydney), you just sort of deal with it and move on and just keep playing.”
Roosters and Blues full-back James Tedesco revealed Flanagan informed his ex-team-mates of his exit before going public with the news on Instagram.
“He messaged us last night on the group chat last night and I sent him a separate message just to wish him all the best to keep working hard and obviously don’t let this get him down,” Tedesco said.
“He’s got another great opportunity and he can take control over there and really build a good career.”
Tedesco, who is in doubt for the Blues’ Origin opener against the Maroons on Wednesday night, added of Flanagan’s move to Belmore.
“That’s awesome for him, obviously he’s disappointed that he didn’t get another start with us at the Roosters but I think it’s a great opportunity for him at the Dogs,” Tedesco said.
“They need a half and he can be the main guy there and really steer the team around so it’ll be a good opportunity for him.
“… I think a lot of young halves go through it so it’s obviously tough to mature at that age and be a half-back and run your team.
“He’s obviously young with a long career ahead of him so I’m sure he’ll be fine.”
