Canterbury's loss to the Warriors on Sunday afternoon has raised alarm bells for two NRL legends, with pressure mounting on Kyle Flanagan to retain his spot at halfback.
In a back-and-forth battle, the Bulldogs were unable to secure a third-straight win and fell to the hosts 14-12 at Mt. Smart Stadium.
Matt Burton and Reed Mahoney were forced to orchestrate a lot of the side's attack, but the Dogs were unable to muster up enough points in a dismal attacking display.
The question has now been raised by premiership-winning halfback Greg Alexander regarding the future of Flanagan, who is off-contract at the end of 2023 and is unlikely to earn an extension given the emergence of teenage sensation Karl Oloapu.
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“I did say through yesterday’s game that the pressure on Matt Burton is increasing as the season gets longer for him to do everything," he said on SEN Radio.
"He is the runner, the kicker, he looks like he is organising. In terms of threatening the line, if you’re not getting help from somewhere else [it makes it difficult].
"Hayze Perham is a runner not a passer, whereas Kyle Flanagan is a passer not a runner. Matt Burton is trying to do a bit of everything and I think the load is too big on him.
"Do the Bulldogs bite the bullet and put Karl Oloapu in? Maybe."
In comparison, Flanagan is yet to register a single try assist across the four rounds of the NRL season, while his running game is practically non-existent, leaving his halves partner Burton to shoulder the responsibility.
Storm legend Cameron Smith believes the 25-year-old needs to take ownership for the organisational side of Canterbury's attack, allowing the NSW star to play his natural game.
“He’s not a rookie anymore – he’s been around for quite some time and he’s played 60-odd games...you would like to think that he’s gonna be able to take control of this side," he said on SEN Radio.
"Matt Burton is not that style of player that is an organiser and controls their game plan – a bit like Cameron Munster for the Melbourne Storm.
"He is much more dangerous when he hangs out on his left edge and gets an opportunity with retreating defence and quick play-the-balls, that’s when he pounces. He just needs someone there to steer the ship a little bit.
"I think Kyle Flanagan has that ability, but I don’t know if his confidence has been rocked over the past 12-18 months with a few decisions around his career.
"At this stage now, where he has played 60-plus games, you’d like to think that he has the ability to do that for the Bulldogs."
When does Kyle Flanagan's contract end?
Kyle Flanagan signed a three-year deal with Canterbury prior to the 2021 season, which means his deal is set to expire at the end of 2023.
The 25-year-old halfback has been shuffled in and out of the side during his tenure, but has played all four games this year under new coach Cameron Ciraldo.
Will the Bulldogs re-sign Kyle Flanagan?
At this stage, Kyle Flanagan is unlikely to sign a new deal with Canterbury.
With the club paying a hefty transfer fee and a bumper salary for teenage prospect Karl Oloapu, the chances of Flanagan extending his time at Belmore and keeping hold of the No.7 jumper are almost zero.
The Cronulla local junior was reportedly shopped to Super League clubs in the off-season, but opted to stay at the Dogs and fight for his NRL career.
Kyle Flanagan 2023 stats
| Games | 4 |
| Tries | 0 |
| Try Assists | 0 |
| Linebreak Assists | 1 |
| Offloads | 3 |
| Average Run Metres | 35m |
| Average Kick Metres | 76m |
| Forced Dropouts | 1 |
| Average Tackles | 24 |
Who is Karl Oloapu? Bulldogs young gun starring in NSW Cup
Karl Oloapu is a teenager from the Brisbane system and joined the Bulldogs on a long-term deal prior to the 2023 campaign.
The 18-year-old previously captained the Australian Schoolboys side and is capable of playing both five-eighth and halfback.
Oloapu is seen as the long-term halves partner to Matt Burton at the Bulldogs.
