Flanagan hoping to be NRL star

LOCAL talent Mark Flanagan is hoping to make his mark in Australia’s NRL after his long–awaited breakthrough in Super League came too late to halt his planned move Down Under.

The 21–year–old Wigan loose forward will be one of only two Englishmen plying his trade in the NRL in 2010 after being offered the chance to join former Leeds second rower Gareth Ellis at Wests Tigers.

Flanagan has appeared in each of the Warriors’ last eight matches but it was frustration over his lack of first–team opportunities that prompted him to consider a new life in Australia.

“At the time I was playing in the reserves at Wigan,” said the son of former Oldham great Terry, who learned the game playing for Saddleworth and Higginshaw.

“I wasn’t too sure if Wigan wanted to keep me so I spoke to my agent, Frank Endacott, and he suggested the idea of playing in Australia.

“It sounded a good idea at the time and, after Wests said they were interested in me, it pretty much made my mind up.

“I thought it would be a once–in–a–lifetime opportunity to potentially play in the NRL and live in a city like Sydney and I’m really looking forward to it.

“It’s a one–year deal with an extension if I do all right.”