Quick Facts
Biography
Mark "Flash" Flanagan (born 4 December 1987) is an English professional rugby league player for Salford in the Super League. His usual position is Loose forward. A utility player, he previously played for Wigan and the National Rugby League's Wests Tigers clubs before joining St Helens, with whom he won the 2014 Super League championship.
Early life and career
Mark Flanagan was born on 4 December 1987 in Oldham, England. He is the son of former Great Britain international Terry Flanagan. Flanagan started his rugby league career at the amateur side Saddleworth Rangers before joining Bradford when he was 16. He was considered one of the most promising young British players and has caps for England Academy including caps against the Australian Schoolboys in 2006.
Professional playing career
Wigan
On 4 January 2007 it was announced that Flanagan would join Wigan on a 2-year contract with Wigan paying £10,900 in compensation to Bradford for the loss of the player. He was signed to provide cover and possibly become a replacement to Australian stand-off Trent Barrett. Flanagan was the third player that Brian Noble had brought from his previous club Bradford, the other players being Stuart Fielden and Michael Withers. Flanagan was a regular in the Wigan reserves team. He went to Halifax on loan in June 2008 and scored two tries in his first game for the club.
After some impressive performances in the reserves Flanagan made his Wigan debut from the bench during the second half of a 22-16 defeat by the Crusaders RL at Brewery Field. He made more appearances for Wigan putting in some very impressive performances, most noticeably for his defensive effort in the derby loss away at St Helens.
Wests Tigers
It was announced 23 September 2009 that Flanagan had signed a 1-year contract with the Wests Tigers, with the Tigers having the option for a further season. Tigers' recruitment manager Warren McDonnell described him as, "a raw talent," and, "a tough no-nonsense player with a strong work ethic."Flanagan played 21 games in his first season with the Tigers, mostly starting on the bench.
Having been left out of the side for most of 2011, Flanagan made his return late in the season and played in both of the Wests Tigers' semis appearances.
St Helens
It was confirmed on 19 July 2011 that St Helens had signed Flanagan on a 2-year contract, he made the move before the start of the 2012 season. The move meant that Flanagan was reunited with Head Coach Royce Simmons who he previously worked with at West Tigers.
St. Helens reached the 2014 Super League Grand Final and Flanagan was selected to play at scrum half in their 14-6 victory over Wigan.
Salford
Flanagan left St Helens at the end of the 2015 season to join Salford, where he was reunited with his former Wests Tigers coach Tim Sheens.