Ricky Stuart Defends Kyle Flanagan Amid Media Backlash and Booing

In a passionate display of support, Canberra Raiders head coach Ricky Stuart publicly defended St. George Illawarra Dragons playmaker Kyle Flanagan after the player faced significant booing from Raiders fans during their recent match. The incident occurred during the Round 18 clash on July 4, 2025, where the Raiders triumphed over the Dragons with a score of 28-24. Flanagan was jeered as he prepared to take a conversion kick, prompting a post-match inquiry which Stuart condemned as inappropriate.

Stuart's defense came in response to a question posed to Flanagan's father, Shane Flanagan, regarding the crowd's reaction. “What would the crowd be booing Kyle for?” Shane Flanagan responded, bewildered by the fans’ actions, which were described as typical behavior for supporters during a game. However, Ricky Stuart took issue with the media's portrayal of Flanagan, suggesting that the scrutiny he faces is unjustified and detrimental to the young player's mental well-being.

“It’s a disgrace how you guys in the media are just absolutely bashing the kid publicly,” Stuart stated during a press conference. “I think it is a disgrace that his so-called Dragons supporters, the social media and the [negativity] that he has to listen to and cop.” He emphasized that the pressure of public scrutiny and media narratives can be torturous for a player's family, particularly for his mother, who must endure the fallout from these negative portrayals.

The context of Flanagan's situation highlights a growing concern in professional sports regarding the treatment of athletes by both fans and the media. The booing of players is not uncommon; however, the intensity and personal nature of Flanagan's experience have sparked discussions about the responsibilities of journalists and reporters.

Former NRL players, such as Braith Anasta and Cooper Cronk, echoed Stuart's sentiments. Anasta criticized the question posed to Shane Flanagan as unprofessional and indicative of a desire to provoke a reaction. “To ask a question about him being booed kicking a goal... it’s really unprofessional,” Anasta remarked. Meanwhile, Cronk cautioned against giving airtime to social media trolls, emphasizing that the opinions of such individuals should not impact the lives of professional players.

This incident also raises broader issues regarding the role of social media in sports. Mal Meninga, a prominent figure in the rugby league community, called for governmental action against online abuse. He expressed frustration over the anonymity that allows individuals to harass players without accountability, stating, “It is getting to a stage where the government has to do something about it.”

The conversation surrounding Flanagan's treatment culminates in a critical examination of how media narratives shape public perception of athletes. As Stuart noted, “It becomes a game with the media reporting what social media says.” This interplay between media coverage and fan behavior presents a complex challenge that continues to affect athletes' lives and careers.

Looking ahead, it is imperative that both media representatives and fans reflect on the impact of their actions and words on players' mental health and overall well-being. As the NRL season progresses, the need for respectful discourse and support for players like Flanagan remains paramount, fostering an environment where athletes can thrive without the burden of undue criticism.