Rookie Cronulla halfback Kyle Flanagan thanked his veteran teammates after he starred in the Sharks’ big win over Newcastle on Sunday at Shark Park.

The Sharks romped home 38-12 but the son of coach Shane says he was shocked to receive his first NRL appearance so late in the year.

“I was a bit shocked [to debut], I thought my chance to play this season was over but I got an opportunity and I was super excited,” Flanagan said.

“The older blokes were pretty good, they made my job pretty simple, make my tackles and play well.”

The coach was asked about his son in the post-match press conference.

“Good kid, good parents!”

“I thought as the game went on he got better. His first tackle he clocked Shaun Kenny-Dowall on the chin to give a penalty away. As the game went on he got more involved and was more comfortable.

“I knew he was going to play first grade at some stage, I just didn’t know when.”