NRL deregisters Flanagan, Pascoe, issues fines

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The National Rugby League today de-registered Cronulla coach Shane Flanagan and Wests Tigers CEO Justin Pascoe over respective breaches.

Flanagan's de-registration leaves the Sharks club without a head coach heading into the Christmas break and less than three months from the 2019 premiership kickoff. His punishment is a result of revelations he had dealings with the Shire-based club during 2014 regarding decisions around recruitment, while he was suspended over the performance enhancing drugs scandal. Additionally, the already cash-strapped club has been hit with a $400,000 penalty which was originally suspended in 2014 as part of their $1 million fine for the peptides saga.

Pascoe meanwhile has been stood aside from his CEO position at Wests Tigers, and the club fined $750,000 for an ambassadorial role for hooker Robbie Farah not being disclosed to the league. There is no suggestion Farah himself is guilty of any wrongdoing.

The Wests Tigers have issued a statement this morning indicating they are shocked with the decision, disappointed in the process, and will vigorously defend the matter.

Both clubs have til January 31 to respond to the respective breach notices.