Paul Gallen also took exception to Gould’s claims the Sharks took out their maiden title at a time when heavyweight’s such as Brisbane, Melbourne, Manly and the Cowboys were on the wane.

“I think they’re disrespectful,” Flanagan said of Gould’s comments. “I don’t know where it comes from. There is no competition that’s a soft competition. I’m sure I’ve heard Gus say during the year it’s the toughest competition in the world, but then all of a sudden you win a soft competition. I think it’s disrespectful and he should look in his own back yard.”

Flanagan couldn’t resist taking a jibe at Gould’s Panthers who were annihilated by the Dragons 42-10.

“They were soft,” Flanagan said. “They were poor on the weekend and his five-year plan hasn’t worked. I don’t want to get into a slanging match with him but I thought it was real disrespectful.”