Shane Flanagan resigns as Cronulla coach

Shane Flanagan has officially resigned from his position as head coach of Cronulla Sharks with immediate effect.

In a joint statement, Flanagan and the Sharks confirmed that he would not be returning to his position as head coach of the club.

Flanagan is now preparing his response to the NRL’s breach notice – due by January 31 – that he had regular contact with the club during his 12-month suspension in 2014 over the illegal peptides use in 2011.

On resigning as Cronulla coach, Flanagan said: “This was obviously one of the toughest decisions of my 36-year rugby league career to resign from the head coaching role at Cronulla.

“The last month has taken an enormous mental and emotional toll on my family and myself.

“I intend on responding to the notice issued by the NRL, however I have made this decision in the best interests of the entire club and the players to allow the best possible preparation for the 2019 season without constant speculation and uncertainty as to who their head coach will be.

“I want to thank the Cronulla board and management, both past and present, as well as my dedicated coaching staff, all of whom I have worked closely with over seven seasons.

“I especially want to extend my gratitude to the many players who I have been fortunate to coach at Cronulla. Without doubt, I will hold the entire 2016 playing squad, staff, supporters and unforgettable achievement to deliver the club its first premiership, forever in my heart.

“I want to single out and thank the incredibly loyal Sharks supporters for their on-going support and last but certainly not least, I want to thank rugby league fans in general for their overwhelming support and messages over the years and more so over the past month.”

The Sharks will make an announcement on a head coach for 2019 in the coming weeks.