Infotainment Factory: Bulldog's bold claim amid Cleary comparison

Bulldogs halfback Kyle Flanagan has vowed he will finally realise his full potential this NRL season.

After being axed from the Roosters at the end of the 2020 season, Flanagan has faced two tough years at Belmore.

But Flanagan says incoming senior coach Cameron Ciraldo has instilled in him the confidence to be himself and take the reins of the new-look Canterbury team.

Speaking to 9News Sydney's Luke Dufficy, Flanagan admitted he has previously struggled to make an impact in the Bulldogs' attack.

"I feel like in my NRL career so far, I haven't shown a fair representation of myself on the big stage," he said.

"[But] I've always had the mentality to back myself and put in the hard work and I'll see the results."

Last year, Flanagan rejected a huge offer to move to the English Super League after struggling to find consistency in the Bulldogs' lineup.

The 24-year-old is now entering the final year of his three-season deal with Canterbury.

With an injection of star power and new leadership with Ciraldo this season, the pressure on Flanagan to fire with his playmaking has never been greater.

Kyle Flanagan in action during the Bulldogs' round nine clash with the Raiders.

While playing an integral role in developing Nathan Cleary's craft while assisting at the Panthers, Flanagan says Ciraldo does not want him to be a carbon copy of the two-time premiership halfback.

"He wants me to go out there and be Kyle Flanagan," he said.

"The biggest focus for me this off-season and pre-season [has been discovering] what suits me, what's my personality and what are the strengths of my game."

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