Cronulla NRL coach Shane Flanagan says he’s not going anywhere and will finalise his new deal with the Sharks in the coming weeks.
Flanagan said nothing has been finalised but he’s determined to commit to the club and finish the rebuilding process he’s started.
The former Western Suburbs first grader made some astute purchases in the off-season and, so far, has the Sharks on track to challenge for their first semi-final series since 2008.
One of the more underrated coaches in the NRL, Flanagan said he can see a positive future in the shire and wants to remain at the helm to see it through.
“I’m in talks with the club at the moment. It’s not settled yet – four or five more wins on the trot would be nice,” Flanagan said of the negotiation process amid reports he’s been offered a two-year deal.
“I’ll be here for sure … we’re in good shape and we’ve got a playing roster we’re really happy with at the moment and the only way is up at the moment for the club so I’m happy to stay.”
Since taking over from Ricky Stuart in 2010, Flanagan has had to build the battling Sharks from the ground up and, even through a tough year in 2011, had them playing tough, competitive football.
Flanagan has a tight relationship with captain Paul Gallen, and the NSW State of Origin skipper said Cronulla should move quickly to tie up one of the most promising young coaches in the NRL.
Gallen said he understood Flanagan’s re-signing to be a done deal and joked the mentor must be trying to push up his asking price in the meantime.
“I thought it was all done to be honest. I got a phone call about it a week or so ago and I said ‘sign him up’. So I thought it was all done but he must be chasing more money or something, I’m not sure,” Gallen said.
“He’s doing a great job. He’s really simplified the game for us and we’ve got a good bunch of blokes here and everyone’s getting along well so there’s no reason why he shouldn’t stay.”
Prop Ben Ross said Flanagan was the kind of coach players want to play for.
“He’s one of the main reasons I came back, him and Gal. Flanno really makes me enjoy my footy and the style of play we’re accustomed to here, he suits it and coaches it really well.”
