St Helens signs former Australian Rugby League loose forward Mark Flanagan on two-year deal
Rugby League’s utility forward, Mark Flanagan, has decided to return to English Rugby League by signing for St Helens.
St Helens Rugby League Football Club, also known as Saints, has handed over a two-year contract to the utility forward. Club officials have confirmed the signing of Flanagan from the Australian National Rugby League side West Tigers in statement released
on their website on Tuesday, July 19.
The Oldham born Flanagan started his profession rugby league career in the Super League. He signed his first professional contract with the Bradford Bulls in 2004, where he remained for two seasons.
At the start of the 2007 season, Flanagan joined the Wigan Warriors on a two-year deal. He made 10 appearances for Warriors’ and scored a single try.
The 23-year-old Flanagan joined the National Rugby League side West Tigers at the start of the 2010 season. He made his debut for tigers against Manly, at the Sydney Football Stadium on March 15, 2010. During his stay at Tigers, Flanagan has made 22 appearances
for Tigers and scored eight points.
St Helens head coach, Royce Simmons, has expressed his delight on signing the utility forward with the club. He has termed Flanagan as an excellent addition to the squad.
It is believed that the Simmons, the former Australian Rugby League player and assistant coach at Tigers, has been influential in offering the contract to the young loose head prop Flanagan. Simmons added, “I coached Mark previously at Wests Tigers and he
has an excellent attitude both on and off the field.”
Simmons has praised the Flanagan’s physical attributes, his rugby skills and his capability to play at different positions. He said, “He is tough and versatile, can play in the middle or on an edge and can cover at hooker if need be." When asked about the
Flanagan’s experience of playing in Australia, Simmons replied, “He is a very good young British player who has benefited from his time in the NRL.”
In other news, St Helens have also signed the former Australian international Anthony Laffranchi and International Lance Hohaia, to strengthen their squad for next season.
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