'I never said he was rested': Robinson axes NRL's top point scorer
Roosters coach Trent Robinson says the NRL's leading point scorer Kyle Flanagan will take his axing "on the chin" with doubt also cast over when co-captain Boyd Cordner will return from concussion symptoms.
Robinson confirmed on Wednesday he had omitted halfback Flanagan – rather than resting him – in favour of Lachlan Lam for the match against the Dragons in Wollongong on Thursday night.
It will rob Flanagan of the chance of coming up against his premiership-winning father Shane, St George Illawarra's assistant coach, in the match which will mark the 105th anniversary of the Battle of Lone Pine.
The 21-year-old Flanagan leads all NRL point scorers this season, but Robinson has acted swiftly after the two-time defending premiers laboured to wins over the Warriors and Titans in the past fortnight.
"I thought it was time for Kyle not to play," Robinson said. "He can come back and work on a few things that he needs to keep developing. That is the call for this week.
"I never said it was rested or anything like that. I said it after last week's game, I really want guys pushing for their best. Lachy has been patient and he is ready to go this week.
Kyle Flanagan was axed for the Roosters' clash with the Dragons.Credit:Getty Images
"It's a tough school and [Flanagan's] a tough kid who is working really hard. It's about taking it on the chin, working hard and stand up and fight hard again. That's the way any player week-to-week has to do it."
Flanagan has been solid since leaving the Sharks to join the Roosters as Cooper Cronk's replacement, producing several clutch plays alongside Luke Keary.
But Robinson is determined to squeeze more out of his side as they try to close the gap on the leading trio of the Panthers, Storm and Eels.
Dragons coach Paul McGregor has also opted for a halves shake-up, dumping Corey Norman to accommodate Adam Clune's return from a failed head injury assessment.
Cordner will miss his third straight game after a head knock at training and Robinson hinted there's no certainty he will return for the clash against the Storm next Thursday night.
"He's started back training and it was good to see him out on the field [on Tuesday] running," Robinson said. "He's started weights and fitness so he's getting close to return. That's good news.
"There's not a long-term concern. It's really important that players are really honest where they're at with this and then how they're feeling everyday. Boyd has been that, which is hard for Boyd because he wants to be out there playing.
"But we're going to make sure it's the right time. We're not going to rush him back. We're going to make sure he's ready to play, and so will he.
"He hasn't done contact [training] or anything. It would be nice for the next couple of weeks to increase his training and then we'll get a good guide over the next couple of weeks when he'll be back."