Sharks Statement regarding Breach Notice

In relation to the breach notices issued by the NRL against the Club and coach Shane Flanagan it can be confirmed that both parties today responded with detailed submissions to the matters raised.

A right of reply and response to the preliminary findings was a part of the process put in place by the NRL and the club was firm in its belief that sponsors, members, fans and stakeholders, not to mention Shane Flanagan and the playing group, were entitled to a case and an argument being put forward.

The club remains totally committed to Shane Flanagan as Sharks head coach and it will continue to support him.

As explained in the NRL media release earlier today, Chief Executive Mr Dave Smith has received the submissions and will take whatever time needed to give full and proper consideration to the responses provided by the Sharks and by Shane Flanagan before a final determination is made.

In the interim the Sharks will maintain the current football operations and coaching structures and under the guidance of Peter Sharp and with the support of experienced team leaders such as Paul Gallen, Luke Lewis Todd Carney and John Morris amongst others, can assure a ‘business as usual’ approach will continue in relation to preparations for the 2014 season.