‘It could be one month or 10 years’: Barrett blasts ‘comical’ Flanagan critics

Bulldogs coach Trent Barrett said he is “very surprised” with the reaction to Kyle Flanagan’s NRL recall, claiming the maligned playmaker deserves his chance back in the big time and could still be a decade-long halfback for the club.

After keeping his counsel all week about the decision to make Flanagan his third No.7 in five rounds this season, Barrett fronted his mandatory pre-match press conference on Friday to explain his decision to end Flanagan’s NRL exile.

He thanked Bulldogs general manager Phil Gould for publicly declaring it was his decision to allow Flanagan to return to the top grade side, with Gould urging Bulldogs critics to “come at me” – rather than the coach – in his Wide World of Sports podcast.

They have suggested Flanagan has been “thrown to the wolves” for his return against premiers Penrith, the only team unbeaten through the first four rounds.

Asked for his reaction to the commentary of Flanagan’s return, Barrett said: “Very surprised.

“We had a plan from the get-go. We stuck to it and I think it’s worked. I think Kyle’s performances in Canterbury Cup have helped him and he’s playing well. They’re the only factors that came into it when we thought he was ready. We were both of the opinion it was time to bring him back in, and he’s worked really hard.

Kyle Flanagan has won an NRL recall.Credit:Getty

“We would have liked to be looking at the other side of it and how hard Kyle’s worked to get back in the team. I know he has worked hard and the last 12 months have been difficult for him. He’s put himself in a position where he’s played really well in [NSW] Cup.”

The Bulldogs’ reserve grade side is unbeaten through four games this season and Flanagan is now seen as the perfect foil for big-name recruit Matt Burton, who has had a sluggish start to the season at five-eighth.

Barrett shot down commentary Flanagan has barely trained with the top grade squad – or alongside Burton – and said the 23-year-old should be “really proud of himself” for fighting his way back into the NRL.

Flanagan broke down during a press conference last year after he was benched mid-ay through a round nine match last year, and was used only a further four times in 2021.

We don’t just pull names out of a hat. There’s a fair bit that goes into it. I remind you all, I want to win too

Jake Averillo and Brandon Wakeham have been tried at No.7 ahead of Flanagan in the opening four rounds of the season, including the Bulldogs’ 44-0 loss to the Storm last week.

Asked whether he had told Flanagan he would have an extended run in the team, Barrett said: “We don’t have to have those conversations. He’s a grown man and players want to be in first grade. We all need to perform and you need stability in your halves obviously.

“We’ve got to pick teams we think can win on the weekend and give us our best chance of winning this week. Whether it’s a month, two months, 10 years – hopefully it’s 10 years – but the onus is on our players. You have to perform.

“We don’t just pull names out of a hat. There’s a fair bit that goes into it. I remind you all, I want to win too. That’s what’s so comical about [the commentary].”

Barrett said he thought Gould was trying to take the pressure off the coach and the team by owning Flanagan’s recall, which came after extensive pre-season talks with the former Sharks and Roosters playmaker.

“‘Gus’ is the GM here and we discuss a lot of things,” he said. “It was good of him to come out and say what he said. We do work closely together and it’s good to have him here.”

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