Shane Flanagan not yet reinstated as coach

The NRL said that Sharks Head Coach Shane Flanagan would be required to undertake further work to satisfy the conditions required to have his suspension lifted.

CEO Dave Smith said Mr Flanagan had made significant progress in addressing the concerns which led to his registration as a coach being suspended on 17 December last year.

"We are impressed by Mr Flanagan's attitude and commitment to satisfying the conditions imposed on him during his suspension," Mr Smith said.

"But there are still some areas which need further work and, at this stage, his suspension has not been lifted."

The decision was made after Mr Flanagan went before an NRL panel this week to demonstrate his compliance with his suspension conditions.

Those conditions require Mr Flanagan to:

•Complete intensive education and training courses on workplace health and safety, the NRL rules and other integrity and ethical training

•Demonstrate that he understands the duties of obligations of an NRL head coach

•Refrain from dealing directly or indirectly with the Sharks club, team and players

Mr Smith said that while the NRL was pleased with Mr Flanagan's progress it was determined to lift his suspension only when it was satisfied that all the conditions had been met fully.

Although Mr Flanagan's suspension is for an indefinite period, the earliest he could have returned to coaching was September 17, 2014 if all the conditions were met.

The panel will reconvene when Mr Flanagan has completed the additional work identified during this week's review. 

Source: NRL.com