LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Dragons coach Shane Flanagan has addressed accusations of favoritism concerning his son Kyle following the decision to drop Lachlan Ilias from the first-grade squad.
Ilias was replaced by young playmaker Lyhkan King-Togia for the upcoming match against the Wests Tigers after struggling with inconsistent performance and criticism for his game management.
Flanagan insists that he treats Kyle like any other player and that his son's form has been superior to Ilias's this season.
"But Kyle has been one of the best players this year," he told The Sydney Morning Herald.
"When that happens, it does make it easier.
Kyle has scored four tries, and he's been setting up tries.
His form has been fine...
If he doesn't play well, he doesn't play.
He'd be gone.
There's no difference.
I treat Kyle exactly the same as everyone else."
Ilias's performance had led to concerns from his manager, Braith Anasta, regarding his potential drop if improvements weren't made, while league expert David Riccio highlighted defensive weaknesses as contributing to the decision.
Despite fans' skepticism about the reasoning behind Ilias's benching instead of Kyle's, Flanagan finds it justifiable based on performance metrics.
Ilias has been pivotal in kicking duties for the Dragons, and King-Togia's inclusion puts more pressure on him to perform in that area.
Flanagan acknowledges Ilias's low confidence but remains hopeful for his return to form and the first-grade team, reflecting on Ilias's prior experience of overcoming challenges after being dropped by Souths last year and dealing with an injury.
The Dragons currently hold a 3-4 record as they head into the match.