The high flying Roosters have decided to rest star halfback Kyle Flanagan to prepare him for next week’s match against the Storm. This against a desperate Dragons team in front of their home crowd.
This brings back memories of when the North Sydney Bears decided to rest their Australian and Queensland star flying winger, Brett Dallas, against the same club in the 1996 GF Qualifier.
The Bears previous premierships were back to back in 1921/22 and their last Grand Final appearance way back in 1943.
The 3rd placed Bears accounted for 7th placed Dragons 42 – 0 during the regular season and earned the week off after disposing the Brisbane Broncos 21-16 in the Qualifying Final.
The Dragons defeated the Raiders 16-14 (with the infamous mousetrap play) and the Sydney City Roosters (i.e. Easts) 36-16 in the lead up.
Resting Dallas, so he was “ready for the Grand Final”, was more than enough motivation for the Dragons forward pack that took this as a slap in the face. The Dragons led all game and it wasn’t until the 63rd minute, trailing 19-12, that Coach Louie introduce Dallas to the game.
The Dragons would race away to win 29-12 and book a Grand Final berth against the Manly Sea Eagles.
The Bears, would make the finals for the next two seasons before merging with rivals Manly in 2000, and becoming extinct in 2002.
I am not suggesting this will happen to the Roosters.
According to the news this morning, Kyle was dropped and not rested. What’s in a word though ? Rested/dropped ? Either way he’s not playing. Conspiracy theorists may think it has something to do with the old man in the opposing dressing room.
BTW – I’m glad you didn’t mention the result of that Grand Final
Dropped to work on his game? Not sure where since no reserve grade games. Watch him return next week.