GEORGE Flanagan’s emergence as a potential star of the future has been one of the rare bright spots for Huddersfield Giants during the 2025 Betfred Super League season.
As far as the 20-year-old fullback is concerned, though, life could not get much better at the moment.
Flanagan scored a try and kicked five goals to help the Giants to only their third win of the campaign on Thursday night as they beat hosts Castleford Tigers 30-12 in the Round 16 opener.
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.@Giantsrl claim their third win of the season 3⃣#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/jN5raTH2gE
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) July 3, 2025
The former Bradford Bulls prospect was named player of the match too, having also made four tackle busts and two clean breaks while carrying for 71 metres, and could not be happier with his progress after impressing on loan in Betfred League One with Hunslet last year.
“It’s a dream come true to play Super League,” Flanagan, whose father George senior is still plying his trade with Keighley Cougars at the age of 38, told Sky Sports.
“That’s all I’ve ever dreamed of since I was a little boy.
“I just want to cherish every moment and every opportunity I get to play for this great club, and I just want to put my best foot forward.”
Is that the match-winner for @Giantsrl? 👀#SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/aHjQtXdlQG
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) July 3, 2025
The win at The Mend-a-Hose Jungle was not enough to lift Huddersfield above 11th in the Super League table, but did see them close the gap on fellow strugglers Castleford to two points.
Any hopes of making the play-offs for the first time since 2022 are long gone, but head coach Luke Robinson insisted the Giants still have plenty to aim for in their 10 remaining regular-season games.
“There’s always something to play for,” Robinson told Sky Sports.
“Every time you step on the field, I know it’s not life and death but it should feel like that.
“I preach that to the players and I’m in no doubt they want to try to win as many games as they can for themselves and for the team, and the loyal fans we’ve got here and the owner who has been unbelievable for this club.
“There are a lot of things we still want to play for this year.”
That is an attitude shared by Flanagan, who is set to be part of Huddersfield’s squad until at least the end of the 2027 season after signing a new contract in April.
“We wanted to prove we’re still a good team and we’re still fighting to get up the table,” Flanagan said.
“I’m buzzing for the boys; we deserve it, we work hard, and I’m glad the rewards came.”
