Chris Anderson issued with third
warning

Cronulla Sharks coach Chris Anderson was today issued with his third warning letter following a meeting with club president Barry Pierce.

The national coach departs with the Kangaroos on Tuesday knowing that his his contract with the Sharks is now in doubt.

"We had a brief meeting," Pierce said.

"I handed him a third letter on behalf of the board. We did not discuss the letter. He probably wants to get advice.

"I said to him, and it's in the letter, that if he wants to come back to us at the end of the tour it's his prerogative.

"If he wants to do anything while he's on the tour that's up to him. I don't want to say anything more for legal reasons."

Currently, Anderson has a further season to run on his contract with two year option should the Sharks make the finals in 2004.

Its understood that the meeting follows a falling out after the club decided not to offer Anderson's son Jarrad a contract for next season.

Earlier this year, Anderson issued a stunning "back me or sack me" ultimatum amidst claims that he wasn't getting due support from the Sharks board.

The outburst came after a 40-12 loss to Canberra in a season which saw the Sharks finish in 12th position and well out of finals contention.

Last August, Cronulla appointed former Wigan coach Stuart Raper as assistant coach fueling speculation that Anderson may be replaced as head coach in 2004.