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Rugby league Immortal Andrew Johns has defended Sydney Roosters halfback Kyle Flanagan who looks set to be moved on from the club.

Immortal Andrew Johns has jumped to the defence of Kyle Flanagan, saying even the best NRL halfbacks weren't world-beaters at his age.

The 22-year-old has been told by the Sydney Roosters his contract won't be renewed beyond the end of next season and it appears increasingly likely he will be at Canterbury in 2021.

It comes after the Roosters were knocked out of the premiership race by Canberra last weekend, failing in their mission to claim three straight NRL premierships.

Flanagan, in his first full season of NRL, looks set to pay a price for it.

And according to Johns, it's the wrong call.

"Everyone is knocking Kyle Flanagan, but I think he's had a really strong year," he told Nine media.

"Go and watch Johnathan Thurston when he was 20. Go and watch myself when I was 20 or 21.

"Go and watch Cooper Cronk, he was coming off the bench playing dummy half.

"It takes so long to try and master the halfback position.

"People are being too tough on Kyle Flanagan and the people who are being tough on him don't know what they're talking about."

Flanagan played 20 games for the Roosters this year, with coach Trent Robinson dropping him midway through the season so he could work on his development.

He had previously played nine games for Cronulla before moving to the Roosters as a replacement for premiership winner Cronk.

Johns believes constant change in the Roosters' spine hampered Flanagan's impact.

"When Victor Radley got hurt, he's their link in the middle of the field. And when he went, Kyle Flanagan took on a lot more responsibility, also Keary had those head knocks," Johns said.

"I don't understand it."

Roosters legend Brad Fittler also voiced his support for the young playmaker, who finished the NRL season second for points on 198 behind South Sydney halfback Adam Reynolds.

"He's the second highest pointscorer," Fittler said.

"He kicked goals all year, winning goals.

"Stood up to the pressure of the game, and it was a long season for them too.

"When you looked at the Roosters there was a bit of fade there, there was a bit of fatigue and Canberra just ran over the top of them."