The Dragons have been returning serve to the social media trolls who have been attacking Shane and Kyle Flanagan, but they have also been investigating a potentially far bigger problem – suggestions of a player-led bullying campaign at the club.

The social media sewer has been in overdrive, and some of the comments made about the Flanagans are unfair and disgusting. The club should be angry about the faceless trolls.

However, this columnist has been made aware of another concern – Dragons players making gestures on the field in relation to Kyle Flanagan.

The claims relate to a “burger” sign, and I have been told by those close to the playing group – who spoke on the condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the matter – what it means and who it is directed at. The gesture implies that someone is a “Derrick”, which is a colloquial, derisory term.

It is an easily deniable story, but to their credit, the Dragons have investigated it to try to find the truth.

Dragons chief executive Tim Watsford said on Saturday he had heard the rumours and made subtle enquiries about the meaning of the symbol to learn if it was directed at a single player. He did not say he was trying to find out if it was directed at the Flanagans.

Watsford said he talked to the football department and insists it is not directed at any player.

Jack de Belin performing the “burger” gesture.Credit: Getty Images

“Burger is a colloquial term used amongst the playing group portraying endearment,” he said. “There is no malice or directed at any one individual.

“Post-try celebrations where players are making hand signals similar to a burger is something that brings the group together when we cross the white line. To link it to any one player is completely unfactual. The more burgers the better.”

Watsford said in a podcast that the Dragons are now on the hunt for a marquee half.

The situation around Kyle is tricky because the more coach Flanagan defends his son, the worse it gets.

Clint Gutherson celebrates a try with the “burger” gesture.Credit: Getty Images

We told you last week about the way comments he made in the News Corp press were noted, saved and passed on by current and former players. I was chastised for saying I felt sorry for Kyle.

He is a hard trainer, a tough kid and an adequate player. He won’t be the team’s long-term halfback, and is probably a solid No.14. But there is obviously more to him.

He was let go by the Roosters and the Bulldogs, and would not be the starting No.7 at any club other than the Dragons.

As he approaches........

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