Bulldogs general manager of football Phil Gould has firmly denied claims halfback Kyle Flanagan has been offered to other clubs ahead of the 2022 NRL season.
A News Corp report suggested the Canterbury made a bid to offload Flanagan over the off-season following what was a difficult first year at Belmore for the 23-year-old.
Flanagan joined the Bulldogs on a three-year deal at the start of 2021 after he was released by the Sydney Roosters, but spent time on the sidelines after struggling to find consistent form in his first season under Trent Barrett.
Flanagan is one of several players bidding for the Bulldogs' No. 7 jersey this season and the chance to partner star recruit Matt Burton in the halves, although he isn't expected to be Barrett's first choice.
However, Gould took to Twitter on Monday to assure Flanagan has a future in a Bulldogs jersey, denying suggestions he was being offered to rival clubs.
"This report is totally incorrect," Gould said.
"Kyle Flanagan has never been offered to other clubs. Kyle has never been asked to seek another club.
"As for starting the year in reserve grade, Kyle is one of 4 NRL quality half-backs on our roster. We haven’t played a trial game yet."
This report is totally incorrect. Kyle Flanagan has never been offered to other clubs. Kyle has never been asked to seek another club. As for starting the year in reserve grade, Kyle is one of 4 NRL quality half-backs on our roster. We haven’t played a trial game yet. https://t.co/cSLAT1rRH8
— Phil Gould (@PhilGould15) January 10, 2022
Flanagan made his NRL debut with Cronulla in 2018 under father Shane Flanagan and was touted for a big future in the Shire before he was ultimately poached by the Roosters at the end of 2019.
He was touted as Cooper Cronk's long-term replacement upon arriving in Bondi in 2020 but would only last one season in the Tricolours after being cut by the club. That saw Barrett sign Flanagan as a marquee recruit for his inaugural season as coach at the Bulldogs.
The goal-kicking halfback has since struggled, however, spending time in and out of Barrett's side in his first season at Belmore, finishing the 2021 season with 13 appearances.
With the Bulldogs welcoming a host of new recruits ahead of the 2022 season, Barrett is set to field a completely new look team in a bid to end the club's finals drought, which stretches five seasons.