Concerns about St George Illawarra’s title hopes were not eased when they lost the Charity Shield to a second-string South Sydney team last weekend.
Flanagan knows the Dragons were unlucky to lose a few tight games last year, which would have helped them bump up the ladder, while the string of rookies would only be better for the experience this year.
“During the trials we had a lot of young boys play in the first trial [against Newcastle], and in the second trial a lot of our senior boys played, but you always sensed there was a bit of ‘what’s next?’ and guys not wanting to get injured or suspended because they were looking forward to next week [in Las Vegas],” Flanagan said.
“We’re here now and everyone is fit, except for three or four boys.
“Like all teams, we need to stay healthy and get our best team on the paddock week in, week out. We had a couple of tight losses last year, and we had eight debutants … they’ll be better for the experience.
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“We just need to keep them on the field and turn those close losses around.”
Daniel Atkinson has been recruited and will play in the halves with Kyle Flanagan, while coach Flanagan said young half Kade Reed had enormous potential but the flight to Vegas was always going to come too soon.
Back-rower Dylan Egan, who is not due back from a ruptured ACL until around May, was a late call-up to America, and will continue his rehab with the main group while also helping the club with media commitments.
