Fantasy cash cow watch: Kyle Flanagan
The son of former Cronulla coach Shane Flanagan, Kyle Flanagan is a big talent looking to match the exploits of fellow son-of-an-NRL-coach Nathan Cleary.
He played one NRL game at five-eighth in 2018 against Newcastle, scoring 25 Fantasy points, but was a 40-point scorer in the Intrust Super Premiership NSW with the Newtown Jets.
Positives
The 20-year-old has already made his NRL debut and has been on the verge of an extended stint in the top grade, and he could challenge Chad Townsend as the new halves partner for star signing Shaun Johnson. He comes at a bargain price and would join Dylan Brown and Johnson's likely replacement at the Warriors Adam Keighran as a cash cow half if he gets a run.
Negatives
There's no guarantee Flanagan gets a run in the side, with Townsend the more experienced option and likely round one starter. Even if the youngster does play his scoring could be erratic – he hasn't been a huge scorer in the lower grades and Townsend would likely dominate the kicking duties, and if Flanagan can't make more than 20 points a game he won't be earning too many price rises. We've seen young halves like Kane Elgey in the past become Fantasy busts when they've struggled defensively while not adding many kick metres or run metres in attack.
To buy or not to buy?
The final trial should give us a good indication for which way Cronulla are planning to go with their line-up and if Kyle Flangan is the starting side for round one he'll also be in a heck of a lot of Fantasy teams. If not, it's probably wise to wait and see how the Sharks' fortunes pan out in the opening rounds before taking the plunge.
