Flanagan could make shock return to coaching: Read

Former Cronulla coach Shane Flanagan is believed to be in the running for the vacant St Helens job following Justin Holbrook's move to the Gold Coast Titans.

Flanagan is one of several candidates on the radar of St Helens according to Brent Read, with the position a potential pathway for a return to the NRL.

“St Helens CEO Mike Rush is due out here this week or the week after and he has a hit list of coaches,” Read told Triple M.

“He has a few he wants to talk to and don’t be surprised if Shane Flanagan is one of those.

“Obviously at the moment he is banned from coaching in the NRL because of what happened at Cronulla and he is serving that suspension.

“But there is no hindrance to him moving and coaching in the Super League and the NRL won’t stand in his way if he wants to take the job.”

Flanagan was removed from his position with Cronulla after failing to uphold the terms of his suspension during the clubs peptides scandal.

Read revealed that one name that could rival Flanagan for the St Helens job is former Penrith coach Anthony Griffin.

“I’m not necessarily saying he will get the job, but I expect St Helens to sound him out,” Read said.

“I think they will speak to him among other coaches just to see the situation and whether he has an interest in the position.

“If Shane Flanagan says he is interested then he is a very strong candidate for that role.

“I think it could be a path back to the NRL for Flanagan.

“If he goes over to the Super League for a year or two, the NRL will eventually let him back.

“That could be a bridge to allow him to come back to the game.”