Flanagan cleared for return as assistant coach

Former Cronulla Sharks coach Shane Flanagan will be eligible for registration as an assistant coach at any NRL club for the 2020 and 2021 seasons after meeting with NRL CEO Todd Greenberg on Friday. 

Flanagan's registration comes with strict contingencies and a range of conditions made by the NRL and does not include a guarantee or return date for a head coaching role in the future.

Flanagan was de-registered by the NRL in 2018 after being found to have been dealing with his former club in a coaching capacity while suspended in 2014.

"Today I met with the NRL and I both respect and accept the course of action they have taken," Flanagan said in a statement.

"I look forward to returning to the coaching ranks, firstly as an assistant coach and hopefully one day a head coach again."

Greenberg said the decision was not made lightly.

"I have spoken to Shane at length and he has expressed significant remorse and accepted responsibility for his past actions and the detrimental impact they have had on the game," he said.

"We have created a pathway for Shane to return to the coaching ranks. Today's decision gives Shane an opportunity to be registered in the NRL.

"This is not a set and forget approach. Shane and any future club who employs him has numerous conditions which they must comply with and the Integrity Unit will continue to monitor his conduct over the next two seasons."

Flanagan will be eligible for registration from December 18.