Dec 12th, 2018

Dec 12th, 2018

Cronulla are looking at English-based Aussie coaches Justin Holbrook or Steve Price to replace Shane Flanagan should the NRL suspend the embattled coach for next season.

Flanagan is again in strife with the NRL for allegedly being in communication with club staff during the period he was suspended from having any contact with the Sharks while he served his ban for the 2014 peptides scandal.

The NRL integrity unit came across a series of emails and phone messages from Flanagan to senior Sharks staff while investigating the club’s latest scandal relating to salary cap breaches.

Flanagan defiant over salary cap saga

Flanagan is expected to be banned for at least a year by the NRL board next week and panicked Sharks officials are looking at their options.

Former Knights, Panthers and Roosters halfback Holbrook has made a big impression in two seasons at glamour club St Helens while Price is a former Dragons top grade coach and Sharks assistant.

Price has been at the helm of Warrington since the start of this year and is close to signing a new deal that could rule him out of contention.

Several other out-of-work coaches are also expected to put up their hands for the job should Flanagan be banned by the NRL.