Flanagan Cleared of Serious Injury After Concerning Mid-Game Collision
St George Illawarra Dragons playmaker Kyle Flanagan has been given the all-clear regarding any significant physical damage following a disturbing head knock during the team’s recent clash with the Gold Coast Titans. The incident occurred in the latter stages of Sunday night’s match, causing a lengthy stoppage as Flanagan received immediate medical attention.
The 25-year-old five-eighth was involved in a tackle alongside teammate Hayden Buchanan when the collision took place, approximately 20 minutes from full-time. The severity of the impact necessitated Flanagan being carefully removed from the field on a medi-cab, wearing a neck brace. He was subsequently transported to Gold Coast University Hospital for further assessment, a situation watched anxiously by his father and Dragons coach, Shane Flanagan, from the coaching box.
Speaking post-match, a visibly concerned Shane Flanagan confirmed his son’s hospitalisation. “He’s not (OK), he’s been taken to hospital,” he stated. “He was unconscious for, someone said, five minutes. That’s a big concern. He rang his mum and wife. They’ve taken him for precautionary X-rays.” He added, “He’s got feeling in his legs and movement. Let’s hope he’s okay, but being unconscious for that long is a concern.” Despite the alarming nature of the incident, Flanagan reported that Kyle was conscious and communicative, albeit agitated, and expressed his son’s characteristic toughness by noting he was reluctant to be taken away in the ambulance. “It wasn’t nice to see,” he admitted.
Club Confirms No Structural Damage, Concussion Protocols in Place
The St George Illawarra Dragons club has since provided a reassuring update on Flanagan’s condition. Scans conducted overnight have confirmed that the young playmaker has sustained no structural damage. This positive news comes as a significant relief to the club, its supporters, and Flanagan’s family.
However, the incident has resulted in Flanagan being placed under the NRL’s mandatory concussion protocols. This means he will be unable to participate in the Dragons’ upcoming match against the North Queensland Cowboys on Saturday. The team is still striving to secure their first victory of the season, and Flanagan’s absence will undoubtedly be felt as they aim to turn their fortunes around.
The official club statement read: “St George Illawarra Dragons five-eighth Kyle Flanagan has been cleared of any serious injury following scans at hospital overnight. Flanagan was taken to Gold Coast University Hospital as a precaution after sustaining a heavy concussion and potential neck injury. Thankfully, imaging has confirmed no structural damage. He will continue to be monitored by club medical staff under NRL concussion protocols regarding the return-to-play timeline and is travelling home with the team today.”
Titans Secure First Win Amidst Dragons’ Struggles
The match itself saw the Dragons leading at the half-time interval. However, they were ultimately unable to maintain their advantage, falling to a 22-14 defeat against the Titans. This victory marked the Titans’ first win of the season, a result that brought a sense of relief to their coaching staff.
Titans coach Josh Hannay expressed his satisfaction with the hard-fought win. “It’s good to get that monkey off the back,” he commented. “The players have been working really hard. We’ve got to improve in a lot of areas because we’re making it hard for ourselves but I’m proud of how connected and gritty they are.” Hannay acknowledged the team’s effort, noting that “hard work, effort and grit doesn’t always get rewards. It felt like we were banging our head against a brick wall.” He concluded by reiterating his pride in his team’s resilience: “I want to celebrate the grittiness of this group.”
In a separate incident during the game, Titans prop Moeaki Fotuaika was fined $1000 for a grade one careless high tackle.
The focus now shifts for the Dragons to their next fixture, where they will aim to regroup and find a way to secure those crucial first points of the season, despite the setback with their key playmaker. Flanagan’s recovery will be closely watched, with his return to the field dependent on his adherence to the strict concussion management guidelines set by the NRL.
