Cronulla will not be a part of the expected coaching merry go-round, after they put pen to paper with current coach Shane Flanagan, who signed an extension to his current deal.

Having originally accepted a 1-year deal after coach Ricky Stuart left, he has re-signed for another season, in a boost for the Sharks as they prepare for today’s clash with the Raiders.

Despite only winning two of the 6 weeks that he was in charge of the Sharks, the board believes that Flanagan showed enough resolve and coaching skills to extend his contract, despite several coaches expected to move on from their sides.

“I see it as a privilege to coach the Cronulla Sharks and I’m glad the board have shown some faith in me,” Flanagan said.

“It will allow me and the entire coaching staff to not only work with a clear focus this season, but plan for 2012 as well.”

Damien Irvine, Cronulla Chairman, said that the decision to re-sign Flanagan was a key for the season, as they aim to instill stability both on and off the field.

“Shane came on under pretty tumultuous circumstances and the board felt that they would wait until the rest of last year just to let things settle down and to do some due diligence,” Irvine said.

“We’ve done that and we’re going to back him, and that is unanimous. No coach deserves all that speculation.

“The players need to know their coach is going to be there, so we thought ‘let’s get it out of the way now’ so we can provide that stability.

“What we want to do is create solidarity and security among our playing group, our staff. The coach deserves to plan for the future and not worry that he may be gone after six weeks. It’s a totally wrong way to do business.”

By ricky

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