Shane Flanagan has put the heat on the Cronulla Sharks for a contract extension and upgrade – despite being provisionally banned until the end of this season and facing further sanction over attending the Sharks trial last weekend.

Cronulla has resolutely backed Flanagan since his nine month suspension started last December, but the coach – off-contract on 1 November – is chasing further assurance in the form of a new deal that would establish his long-term future in the Shire.

Flanagan’s agent, Wayne Beavis, denied on Wednesday night that there had been any contact with the St George Illawarra Dragons as yet.

“I’ve not said a word to them about Shane. Absolutely not,” Beavis said.

Dragons CEO Peter Doust revealed he spoke with Beavis on Wednesday, but Flanagan was not discussed.

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