Kyle Flanagan stretchered off after friendly fire collision as Titans secure first win of Josh Hannay era
kyle flanagan, the Dragons five-eighth, was stretchered off at Cbus Super Stadium after a sickening head clash with teammate Hayden Buchanan that left him knocked out and bleeding. The incident occurred during the match with the Gold Coast Titans and prompted a lengthy delay while medical staff treated him and a medicab transported him from the field. The stoppage did not stop the Titans mounting a late comeback to win 22-14, delivering coach Josh Hannay his first victory.
Kyle Flanagan stretchered off — match facts and sequence
The collision happened as the Dragons attempted a tackle on Oliver Pascoe; kyle flanagan’s head struck Hayden Buchanan and he was immediately rendered unconscious. Blood was visible on his face as he lay on the turf and a medicab was used to remove him from play. At the time of the incident the Dragons led 14-12 and Lyhkan King-Togia came on for Flanagan.
Following the delay the match shifted in the Titans’ favour. In the 71st minute the Titans levelled through a penalty goal before an Arama Hau try put them ahead. A penalty goal on the final siren sealed a 22-14 victory, handing Josh Hannay his first win as Gold Coast coach. Frustration was evident from the Titans when the referee called time off as Tino Fa’asuamaleaui was crossing the line at the next play the ball, but the seriousness of the medical situation took priority and play was halted for an extended period.
Immediate reactions and official comments
“Flanagan looks to be in all sorts of trouble, ” said Steve “Blocker” Roach, commentator, Fox League, as the scenes unfolded and medical staff attended to kyle flanagan on the field. Team staff moved quickly once the impact was assessed and the decision to use a medicab followed visible bleeding and loss of consciousness.
Officials later put two players on report from the game: Titans forward Mo Fotuaika for a high shot, and Jaydn Su’A for a hip drop tackle that drew scrutiny late in the match.
Quick context
This result hands Josh Hannay his first win in charge of the Titans and shifts momentum late in the season. Next week the Dragons meet the Cowboys on Saturday afternoon while the Titans play Brisbane in the following match.
What’s next
Medical updates on kyle flanagan will determine his short-term availability and are expected to follow as the Dragons assess the injury; the clubs will prepare for their scheduled fixtures next week with squad changes already enforced by the substitution of Lyhkan King-Togia for the injured five-eighth. Match review processes will also consider the two players placed on report as both clubs move on from a match defined as much by the late comeback as by the worrying collision that removed kyle flanagan from the field.
