Raiders coach Ricky Stuart has slammed critics of Kyle Flanagan after the Dragons halfback copped heat in the lead-up to, and throughout the proceedings of, Canberra's 28-24 win in Round 18.
In his post-match press conference, Stuart took aim at a reporter who asked about the controversy surrounding Flanagan.
"I think it’s a disgrace," he said.
"You guys in the media are just absolutely bashing a kid publicly."
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The 26-year-old, under fire for weeks, helped inspire a late Dragons comeback that just fell short at GIO Stadium.
"He led the charge in regard to getting that team back into that game," said Stuart.
The Raiders coach, known for wearing his heart on his sleeve, revealed he consoled the playmaker after full-time.
"I went up to him and grabbed him after the game and took him aside and spoke to him," he said.
"I’ve known him since he’s been a little boy."
Stuart, whose own son recently made his first grade debut, said Flanagan's treatment hits close to home.
"I’ve got a son playing and that’s my biggest fear," he said.
"I think it’s a disgrace what his so-called supporters, so-called Dragons supporters, social media, the bulls**t that he has to listen to and cop.
"It’s something I just don’t like."
St. George Illawarra will be relying on their steady number seven to navigate the last nine rounds of the season as they currently sit eleventh on the premiership ladder, with minimal room for error.