Canterbury halfback Kyle Flanagan admits he “hated” being axed from the side last year, but now has a new lease on his football life thanks to the tough love.
The now-23-year-old played the first nine games of the 2021 NRL season for the Bulldogs, but was then benched mid-game and subsequently dropped by coach Trent Barrett.
Flanagan publicly broke down while doing a media interview in front of several cameras, sparking questions about his mental wellbeing.
READ MORE: Golf legend’s son banned for life for Masters ‘shame’
READ MORE: Simmering Burgess issue addressed by Souths
READ MORE: Supercars rocked by shock Ford switch
He was recalled for a few games later in the season, but remained on the outer with Barrett and began season 2022 in the reserves again.
“At first I definitely hated going back to reserve grade,” Flanagan told 2GB’s Wide World of Sports Radio this week.
“But once I accepted it, and took it with a good mindset, I learned about the effect a halfback can have on a football team.
“You might not be the captain but you can lead through your actions. It’s really helped my confidence coming back into first grade.
Stream the NRL premiership 2022 live and free on 9Now.
“I’m a long way off where I want to get to, I’m just looking to improve each week.”
A month ago Flanagan was recalled, although even that sparked controversy given he was thrown in against Penrith to a baptism of fire.
But in round eight he helped steer the Dogs to a shock victory over the Roosters, and suddenly his spot in the Canterbury side looks much more certain.
“I’ve been pretty happy to be back in first grade,” Flanagan said.
“I like to build my game around my defence, and really earn the respect of the playing group.
“I still think I’m a long way off where I want to get to. I’m not shying away from that, I’m always looking to improve each week.
“I want to really improve on my attacking game, my combinations with guys like Matt Burton and Matt Dufty.”
The Bulldogs host Canberra on Friday night.
For a daily dose of the best of the breaking news and exclusive content from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here!