Joint Statement: Sharks & Shane Flanagan

Embed from Getty Images

In a joint statement, the Cronulla Sharks and Shane Flanagan announce that Shane has resigned from his position as Head Coach effective immediately.

Sharks Chairman Dino Mezzatesta thanked Flanagan for his efforts and the success he brought to the Cronulla Club in seven full seasons as Sharks Head coach.

"Shane was our first premiership winning coach, he is the Coach of our Team of the Half Century and he has given exceptional service and dedication to our Club. He worked tirelessly to build our team and our Club into a competitive force and he will forever hold a special place in the Club's history," Mezzatesta said.

Arriving at the Sharks as an assistant coach in 2007, Flanagan was given the head coaching role towards the back end of the 2010 season. He would go on to coach the Sharks NRL team in 185 games, qualifying for the Finals on six occasions, with the highlight the Club's Grand Final victory of 2016.

"While disappointed his tenure at the Sharks will come to an end, Shane can look back with pride on some outstanding achievements during his time at the helm," Mezzatesta said.

Flanagan added: "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 it's 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."

Neither the Club or Shane Flanagan will make further public comment on this matter, with the Sharks to come to a decision and make an announcement on a Head Coach for 2019 in the coming weeks.