The Sharks can announce that Shane Flanagan has signed a new three year agreement with the club, one which will see him extend his current contract through to the end of the 2019 season.

Flanagan, who was already committed to the Sharks for 2017, finalised the new two-year extension in the company of Group CEO Lyall Gorman and Club Chairman Damian Keogh earlier today.

Now into his sixth season in charge, Flanagan was pleased and proud to be able to announce the contract extension.

“The new contract and that I’ll be here another couple of years is reassuring but the club is heading in a great direction and I’m proud to be a part of it,” Flanagan said.

“We’ve had a successful season so far this year, but there is a lot of footy left to be played.”

CEO Lyall Gorman was firm in his belief the Club had the right man to drive the Sharks into the future.

“Strong football clubs have great leadership at all levels and Shane epitomises that,” Gorman began. “He’s driven very hard the football component of our business and he’s been an incredible asset for our club.

“He’s a wonderful fit for our culture.”

After a playing career which spanned 78 First Grade games spread amongst three clubs, Flanagan began coaching in the junior representative grades with Parramatta before being promoted to take control of the First Division team at the Eels in 2000.

From there he moved to the lower grades, then into an NRL Assistants role at the Roosters, before shifting to the Sharks in 2007 as a member of Ricky Stuart’s NRL coaching team.

His success prior to joining the Sharks included a premiership with the Roosters Jersey Flegg (under 21) side in 2004 and three consecutive Grand Finals with the Eels First Division team from 2001-2003.

Flanagan includes assistant coaching roles with the Kangaroos in 2007 and the NSW Origin team in 2008-2009 on his resume.

Installed as Sharks NRL Head Coach midway through 2010, Flanagan has since coached 126 NRL games for the Club.

In coaching the 126 games to date Flanagan eclipsed Tommy Bishop in second position and now trails just John Lang for most First Grade games coached at the Cronulla club.