St George Illawarra’s slow start to 2026 could worsen this week as the side awaits scans to both of its playmakers, following separate injuries in the Dragons’ 46-20 loss to Melbourne.
Watch every game of every round of the Premiership Season LIVE with no ad-breaks during play on FOX LEAGUE, available on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.
WHAT’S GAMBLING REALLY COSTING YOU? Set a deposit limit. For Free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.
Newly appointed halfback Daniel Atkinson and five-eighth Kyle Flanagan each sustained ankle injuries in the Dragons’ at-times promising performance in Wollongong.
Dragons coach Shane Flanagan revealed the pair were both heavily strapped at half time in a bid to complete the game. With the Dragons now staring down the barrel of three consecutive losses to the 2026, the side will await scans on both players this week.
“Both have got bad ankles. They will probably both have to have scans. I watched both tackles, they weren’t hip drops but weight landed on the lower legs and they got swung around,” Flanagan said. “It’s a bit of a concern”.
“Both of them got treatment at halftime and had to have their ankles strapped. They’re two tough young men and they know how important it is that we don’t lose a half. So they just got on with it.”
The Dragons’ pre-season has been rife with uncertainty over their long-term halves, with Kyle Flanagan in particular under scrutiny to keep his position at five-eighth.
Atkinson had some noteworthy touches in the Melbourne match with two try assists, two linebreak assists and 443 kick metres, while Flanagan was occasionally exposed in defence.
The potential injury crisis could mean St George Illawarra will need to call upon promising junior Kade Reed to occupy one of those playmaking roles. Lyhkan King-Toia is another promising half who has been patiently waiting for his opportunity to step into the first grade side.
MORE TO COME
Discussion about this post