‘Rare as gold’ Flanagan lauded as Cronk-like
SYDNEY Roosters fiveeighth Luke Keary can already see the similarities between his new halves partner, Kyle Flanagan, and fourtime premiership winner Cooper Cronk.
The Tricolours’ playmaker told News Corp that 21-yearold Flanagan’s temperament was already drawing comparisons to halfback legend Cronk around the Bondi club.
Flanagan’s composure is “rare” for a player of his inexperience and youth, Keary says.
“I think the biggest similarity is their temperament, which is gold in a No.7 and it’s rare in a kid that age to be so cool and calm,” Keary said.
“He doesn’t get flustered. He reminds me a lot of Cooper in his mindset.
“Physically they are built the same too, they have the same physical attributes.
“Kyle is not your flashy half who is going to step three blokes to score.
“He works hard at his game. He’s got very good skills and a good kicking and passing game.”
Flanagan, a Cronulla Sharks junior, was released from the final two years of his deal in the Shire to join the back-to-back premiers.
He is being groomed as Cronk’s long-term replacement in the No.7 jumper.
Keary was particularly impressed with Flanagan’s performance in the Roosters’ World Club Challenge victory against St Helens last month.
“I thought he was super, super impressive for us in the World Club Challenge’” Keary said.
“He didn’t try to overplay his hand – he got the basics right, he competed hard, he kicked, he chased, he defended well and he ended up icing a couple of tries for us at the end of the game too.”
Having called time on his illustrious career after the Roosters’ grand final victory last October, Cronk has remained heavily involved at the club and works closely with Flanagan and Keary.
“Coops is good – he doesn’t try to shove things down our throat,” Keary said.
“We’ve gone through everything we need to do as a new halves partnership to prepare ourselves to be the best that we can.
“We’ll keep on going through things every week with Cooper though.”
Meanwhile, former Roosters prop Zane Tetevano will be gunning to turn Panthers Stadium into a hunting ground in his first game in Penrith colours when he takes on his old club tonight.
Despite lauding Tetevano, saying he had been “a big part of our team”, Keary is expecting the hard man – a crucial part of the Tricolours’ backto-back title wins – to target his former teammates.
“He’s a scary dude. Stay away from Zane – that’s my game plan,” Keary said with a laugh.
“I don’t want him to run at me from the kick-off.”