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.
Mike L
Guest
I now note that the club has been fined approx $800k (This could be the NZD value as I got this from a NZ website)
Dogs Boddy
Roar Rookie
Yeah not like all those other clubs, beacons of honesty and integrity all.
Adz Sportz
Roar Guru
He's gone. The Sharks continue to bring our game into disrepute. It's a never ending story with that club!
Harry
Guest
Mate you should have bashed/abused/sexual assaulted someone or ran around naked somewhere, then it would just be a stuff up and you could have kept coaching.
Dogs Boddy
Roar Rookie
Flanno, Flanno, Flanno (where is the head slapping emoji when you need it??) I knew it didn't look good for him but being de-registered indefinitely will be a big hit. I just hope it was worth it, but sincerely doubt it. Hopefully it's not full term, otherwise we may be stuck with Barrett which is not an appealing option.
BA Sports
Roar Guru
To be a fly on the wall on what must be an incredibly unproductive meeting. "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." Continue?! When do you actually investigate any of these incidents. Reducing the shot clock on scrums?! The referee's stop the shot clock before it goes off every single time. That is what you have to stop otherwise it is redundant! Players must head in the most direct route to the Sin Bin - They already do! These people don't watch games, they just react to the newspapers.
Walter White
Guest
Assuming that these emails discussed football matters then Shane and the club were in contempt of the NRL's decision and punishments. That is a very serious offence particularly when you consider that Flanagan had already been pulled up (and let off) for breaking the rules of his ban. The very least punishment he/they should receive is the reinstatement of the original punishment i.e. 3 months for Shane and 400k for the club. However that ignores the blatant disregard and respect for the authority of the NRL that the Sharks/Flanagan have shown here, I believe that the NRL needs to be brutal in their sentencing and send a clear message to all those who do untold damage to the reputation of this great game. Its time for Todd to stand up and be bold.
Mike L
Guest
If the allegations are correct you would expect that the club should face some sanctions too? Flanagan wasnt talking/corresponding with himself..., he cant have contact with the club unless they either initiate it, or at least continue it? Maybe the NRL will sanction them for this at the same time as they hand down any punishment for the salary cap infractions?
AE47
Roar Rookie
Good , And the punishment,,,, twent will be your coach