Flanagan’s teammates checked in on him after the Dragons game,and after hearing about his press conference,vowed to make sure he felt plenty of love.

“We’re all a part of the reason we’re not winning games,and I find it hard hearing Kyle has bore a lot of the brunt for our performances,” Adam Elliott said.

“It shows how much he cares when he gets emotional. From the day he got here I’m sure he’s felt comfortable,and if he hasn’t,he’ll find out in the coming days how much the playing group think of him,that we’re there for him and how confident we are in his ability as a player.”

Winger Nick Cotric added:“Kyle is a good kid and a good footy player and we’re all here supporting him.”

Flanagan was disappointed with his last-tackle options,which failed to put the Dragons under pressure. While he has a good kicking game and is defensively sound,Flanagan has received criticism for his lack of speed.

Flanagan revealed he picked up a rib cartilage injury in the first half on the weekend and required painkillers at the break.

“It’s tough and disappointing,it’s not[nice to be hooked],” Flanagan said. “I have high ambitions. This won’t stop me. I’ll keep training hard. It’s a bump in the road for me.

“It has[been more difficult than I thought]. Coming through the[Cronulla] juniors and being at the Roosters last year,I wasn’t used to losing too many footy games. It’s a different situation here. I’m not waving the white flag,I’ll get back on the training field and keep working hard and have a lot of belief in myself I’m a good footy player.”

Jake Averillo and Brandon Wakeham will be the starting halves against the Raiders at 3pm on Saturday.