It’s D-Day for Shane Flanagan with the NRL expected to announce that it will rub the Cronulla coach out of the game on Wednesday.
Flanagan’s coaching future appears in grave doubt after he allegedly communicated with club officials while banned from the game in 2014.
NRL boss Todd Greenberg is believed to have proposed a punishment to the ARL commission at a meeting on Tuesday.
It is understood Flanagan is facing another hefty suspension and fine, and there are suggestions he could be issued a breach notice asking him to show cause why he shouldn’t be deregistered indefinitely.
The governing body declined to comment on the matter on Tuesday.
Any ban would force the Sharks to hire a new head coach, with a number of candidates already being mentioned as possible appointments.
Former Manly mentor and Sharks star Trent Barrett is said to be an option, as is Cronulla’s current assistant coach John Morris and Sydney Roosters counterpart Adam O’Brien.
The NRL did release a statement regarding other agenda items from the meeting, headed by the recent spate of alleged violence against women.
Five players have been charged by police, forcing the NRL to act by actioning an audit of steps taken by clubs to address issues of violence against women.
A report is expected to be in front of the commission in the new year.
“The commission, together with the NRL, reiterated that the game will continue to take a strong stance to combat violence against women,” the statement read.
“The commission agreed as a priority, to ensure that appropriate action is being taken across the game to deal with recent instances of violence against women.”
The ARLC board also ticked off on a number of rule changes to be introduced in time for next season, including reducing the shot clock on scrums and drop-outs.
Parameters are also likely to be set around sin-bin and send-off use.
“These are important announcements that ensure our game develops and improves,” ARLC chairman Peter Beattie said.
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