The NRL has ruled out the prospects of Shane Flanagan returning to coach a club in 2020.

Flanagan met privately with NRL CEO Todd Greenberg at their Moore Park headquarters last Tuesday, sparking speculation the former Cronulla coach could find himself at the helm of an NRL club by as soon as next season, with Flanagan's name being linked to the Dragons in recent days, where coach Paul McGregor finds himself placed under increasing scrutiny.

But according to the Sydney Morning Herald's Sam Phillips, an NRL official confirmed that while the meeting between Flanagan and Greenberg did take place, they wouldn't be allowing the 2016 premiership coach to make a return to the competition next year.

It was also confirmed the Dragons have not contacted the NRL in regards to Flanagan.

Flanagan was de-registered by the NRL last December, after news emerged that he had been involved in recruitment and retention of players at Cronulla, despite being under suspension for his role in the club's peptides saga in 2013.

Cronulla was fined $500,000 for allowing Flanagan's involvement at the club while he was suspended, an amount that was reduced from $800,000 after the Sharks admitted guilt.

Flanagan is still permitted to coach in the English Super League, but a return to the NRL in the near future doesn't seem overly likely for the 53-year-old.

Flanagan was in attendance to see Sharks skipper Paul Gallen play his final game on Sunday afternoon.

12 COMMENTS

  2. Shane Flanagan was coaching the sharks illegally when they won that highly dubious (salary cap) premiership. Doesn’t this alone negate that award ?

    At the very least, I think it is wrong to refer to him as a Premiership wining coach.

  3. His son is at the roosters so Flano senior will fit in perfectly with the culture there.
    Might exchange a few notes with Jake Friend when get there LOL

  7. Bennett short stint at Souths will be great when he retires with 2 premierships there.
    Absolute legend only a fool would argue.

  8. Saw Bennett on TV tonight. Gee, I hadn’t realised how old he is getting.

    Sadly, I think he is done. He is probably cruising at the moment, coaching based on past experience and what his assistants advise him. I think the end is coming fast for Wayne, He probably has 2 years at Souths at the most and England won’t renew after the World Cup. I don’t mean to denigrate what he has achieved. He has achieved a great deal, I am just recognising that he is finished

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