3 minute read

Shane Flanagan has vowed to return to the NRL coaching ranks after the ex-Sharks mentor was informed by the NRL he can return as an assistant in 2020 and 2021.

Former Cronulla mentor Shane Flanagan is resolved to returning to the NRL coaching ranks one day despite being blocked from holding a head coaching job for the next two years.

The NRL has informed Flanagan that as part of his gradual return to the game he will be limited to holding an assistant coaching position in 2020 and 2021.

After being banned indefinitely last year, he will be available for registration from December 18 this year.

The NRL stressed they had placed strict criteria on Flanagan and he and any club would have to comply with several conditions.

The 2016 premiership winner said he was determined to coach again one day and rebuild his reputation.

"Today I met with the NRL and I both respect and accept the course of action they have taken,' Flanagan said.

"I look forward to returning to the coaching ranks, firstly as an assistant coach and hopefully one day a head coach again."

The NRL said there was no chance of his registration for a head coaching position being brought forward before 2022.

Flanagan was suspended after he was found to have contacted Sharks officials during his 2014 ban for his part in the club's peptides saga.

The emails between Flanagan and the club were only uncovered after then Sharks CEO Barry Russell self-reported salary cap irregularities.

NRL CEO Todd Greenberg allowed Flanagan to make a gradual return after Flanagan penned a 10-page letter outlining his contrition and community work during his ban.

"I have spoken to Shane at length and he has expressed significant remorse and accepted responsibility for his past actions and the detrimental impact they have had on the game,' Greenberg said.

"We have created a pathway for Shane to return to the coaching ranks. Today's decision gives Shane an opportunity to be registered in the NRL.

"This is not a set and forget approach. Shane and any future club who employs him has numerous conditions which they must comply with and the integrity unit will continue to monitor his conduct over the next two seasons."

Flanagan has been linked to St George Illawarra with the Dragons' football department set to be overhauled following a disastrous 2019 season.