Raper Top of List For Sharks Job

Former Castleford and Wigan coach Stuart Raper is expected to take charge of Cronulla Sharks following the NRL club's decision to sack Chris Anderson.

As predicted by many, Anderson had his contract terminated by the Sharks less than a week after returning from the Kangaroos' successful tour of Great Britain.

The 50-year-old, who guided Australia to a 3-0 clean sweep of the Ashes Series, has 12 months left on his contract and is considering taking legal action.

"Obviously I will now have to consider the next step I take for my future and I will take some time to discuss this with my wife, family and legal advisers."

Raper, who returned to Cronulla after being sacked by Wigan in July, was recruited by Cronulla as an assistant and is now expected to be appointed as his successor.

The pair were the subject of a rumoured coach swap, prompting Anderson to issue the Sharks with a "back me or sack me" ultimatum.

Anderson, who cut his coaching teeth with Halifax and had other spells in England with Hull KR and Widnes, is also facing a struggle to retain the national coaching job despite achieving a first series whitewash for 16 years.