LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
In a recent NRL match between the Canberra Raiders and St George Illawarra Dragons, Raiders coach Ricky Stuart expressed anger at the media for their treatment of Dragons half Kyle Flanagan.
The match ended in a tight 28-24 victory for the Raiders, bringing them closer to securing the minor premiership.
During the game, Flanagan faced booing from Canberra fans, which drew questions from reporters about the backlash against him.
In response, Dragons coach Shane Flanagan noted, "Never heard it.
What would the crowd be booing Kyle for? I think they do that, so good on them, it's going to happen everywhere."
While Stuart praised Flanagan's performance in leading his team's comeback, he took issue with the media's role in shaping public perception of the young halfback.
He criticized the question about the booing, stating, "Probably a poor question too when you ask Shane about his son.
I think it is a disgrace how you guys in the media are just absolutely bashing the kid publicly."
Stuart reflected on his own experiences as a father, expressing concern over how media portrayals can affect players.
He said, "That's my biggest fear, you people.
Not him, but the media.
The way he is being portrayed in the media at the moment that poor kid." He commended Flanagan's leadership during the game, highlighting their long-standing relationship, having known him since childhood.
Overall, the incident spotlighted the pressures players face from both fan reactions and media commentary, with Stuart advocating for more compassion towards young athletes like Flanagan.