Manly will consider releasing Trent Barrett from the remaining seven months of his contract should Cronulla offer him the head coaching gig.

The Sharks are considering their options for 2019 following revelations Shane Flanagan faces a lengthy suspension after allegedly breaching conditions around his 12-month ban following the peptides scandal four years ago.

Flanagan has been accused of making contact with Cronulla officials during his suspension – in breach of his penalty.

The NRL is set to come down heavily on the premiership-winning coach, potentially leaving Cronulla with a major hole to fill just months out from the 2019 campaign.

Barrett is currently on ‘gardening leave’ at Manly after handing in his resignation and giving 12 months’ notice back in July.

The Sea Eagles are paying him to stay away after appointing Des Hasler to take over next season.

Barrett’s hands are currently tied until July but Sporting News understands Manly will not stand in his way should he seek a release to take up another coaching role.

It would free the Sea Eagles of financial burden and give Barrett the chance to continue his coaching career at a club with a strong roster and recent premiership success.

Financially he would not be out of pocket as the pay packet at the Sharks would more than compensate any lost earnings from the final seven months of his Manly deal.

Barrett has already begun planning for life after Manly, putting the family home at Freshwater on the market.

It is believed he is headed back to the NSW South Coast – just a short drive from Cronulla’s headquarters.

Barrett finished his playing career at the Sharks and remains close to a number of key figures at the club.

UK-based Justin Holbrook and Steve Price, who was assistant coach to Flanagan in the 2016 premiership-winning season, have also been thrown up as candidates should Flanagan be ousted.

But Barrett could be Cronulla’s best option as he will be a free agent should the Sea Eagles grant him an immediate release

The Sharks have acknowledged the Integrity Unit is investigating matters relating to the 2014 season but are standing by Flanagan for now.

“Shane Flanagan is the Sharks head coach, he is contracted to the club for 2019 and he will remain in his role as head coach,” the club said in a statement.