There is plenty of uncertainty surrounding Kyle Flanagan's future in the NRL at the moment, with the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs halfback now reportedly close to moving to the Manly Sea Eagles.
After being dropped to reserve grade by the Bulldogs, the 24-year-old could potentially be on the move to Brookvale to improve their halves depth.
So, what's next for the young No. 7?
We take a look at the latest news surrounding Flanagan's future.
MORE: When will Daly Cherry-Evans get a consistent halves partner?
Is Kyle Flanagan leaving the Bulldogs?
As it stands, Kyle Flanagan is still contracted to the Bulldogs.
This could change though, with the The Daily Telegraph reporting that the Sea Eagles are close to signing him for the remainder of the season.
The move would see the former Sharks and Roosters player act as cover for Manly's star halfback Daly Cherry-Evans during the State of Origin period.
According to the report, the Bulldogs’ general manager of football Phil Gould had previously been looking to move Flanagan into the English Super League.
These claims were dismissed by Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo following his side's win over the Dragons, though.
"I know nothing about that. Kyle rang me actually straightaway ... and he just wanted to reassure me that there was nothing in it," he said.
"Kyle had a tough weekend and it was a tough decision to leave him out of the team.
"We played him at hooker in the NSW Cup today and I thought he was outstanding.
"He was really good all week - he took it on the chin. There's a lot of weight of expectation on Kyle ... but he turned up to training every day with the right attitude and embraced his new position."
Phil Gould dismisses Kyle Flanagan exit talks
Gould also responded to claims of Flanagan's departure from the Bulldogs via Twitter.
In response to reports of the Manly move, the Bulldogs boss stated: "I can guarantee you that no one has spoken to me."
In a later post, Gould shared that there is "zero evidence" of Flanagan leaving Belmore.
"Hypotheticals. I have zero evidence of anything right now," he wrote.
"People commenting on this matter, or people’s curiosity, are using the Daily Astonisher as their primary source of information.
"Right now, Kyle is preparing to play NSW Cup for [the Bulldogs] this afternoon and I’m going to Wollongong to watch."
Hypotheticals. I have zero evidence of anything right now. People commenting on this matter, or people’s curiosity, are using the Daily Astonisher as their primary source of information. Right now, Kyle is preparing to play NSW Cup for @NRL_Bulldogs this afternoon and I’m going… https://t.co/0a0Drlnqen
— Phil Gould (@PhilGould15) April 30, 2023
Gould took another stance on Monday night's edition of 100% Footy to further shut down the reports.
“Nil, zero, none, zip, nada – I haven’t had one approach or had anyone call me about it whatsoever," he said.
"It’s just another little bit of scuttlebutt in the media, I don’t know what’s brought the story up. Kyle Flanagan was confused because he rang the coach on Saturday night…I know nothing about this.
"We haven’t even spoken to him, it’s not even an issue. He didn’t make the side this week, he played hooker in reserve grade and played really well. I’ve always thought he was going to make a good hooker…he had one of his better games of the season.
"The coach made a chance, it’s as simple as that, and where all this other stuff has come from, I have no idea.
"No one has spoken to me, people are reporting deals are done and it’s effective immediately. I don’t know how they are going to do that without talking to me."
Manly Sea Eagles coach responds to Kyle Flanagan reports
After his side's 10-26 defeat to the Gold Coast Titans, Sea Eagles coach Anthony Seibold was asked about the potential incoming of Flanagan.
Whilst he denied the reports, he did confirm that the club are looking to fill out their top 30 squad, with halves one of the positions they may bolster.
"I'm not going to speculate on that," Seibold said.
"One thing I will say is that we've got a spot to fill - we've signed 29 players so we are going to fill [the remaining spot] before June 30.
"What we're doing at the moment is having a good look at what position we need to fill ... we're short of outside backs and potentially we can add to our halves as well.
"We certainly haven't signed Kyle Flanagan - that's just speculation."
MORE: State of Origin 2023: Game 1 predicted team lists
Why was Kyle Flanagan dropped by the Bulldogs?
Flanagan had not registered a try or try assist in the eight opening rounds of 2023, with his lacklustre running game leaving halves partner Burton often shouldering the responsibility.
With promising teenager Karl Oloapu waiting in the wings, the decision was made to axe Flanagan for Canterbury's clash with the Dragons.
Following his drop to reserve grade, Billy Slater questioned the potential move to the Sea Eagles, debating whether a switch to a club where he is a backup player is best for him.
"I think he'd be in a better position at the Bulldogs," Slater said on Channel 9's Sunday Footy Show.
"They've got (Josh) Schuster, Cooper Johns. I don't think I'd put Flanagan in front of those two.
"Maybe for some depth, maybe for an opportunity. Or maybe he needs to look for opportunities elsewhere."
