Cronulla Sharks coach Shane Flanagan is being investigated by the NRL.
This came after the code’s integrity unit uncovered evidence that he communicated with the club during his 12‑month suspension in 2014.
The Daily Telegraph reports that Flanagan has been questioned after emails scanned from the Sharks’ internet server as part of the NRL’s ongoing salary cap probe raised the suspicions of investigators.
The report says emails and phone messages revealed he conversed with senior staff on issues relating to the 2015 season when he was free to return as head coach.
The club were fined $1 million by the NRL as punishment for the supplements saga, with $400,000 of that suspended.
If Flanagan is found to have broken any rules, he could face another ban and the Sharks another big financial penalty.
Flanagan remains off‑contract at the end of 2019 and it’s believed the ongoing salary cap probe has prevented the club from re‑signing their premiership winning coach.
There are reports that Flanagan could be de-registered over the salary cap controversy.
NRL commissioners will meet in Sydney on next week where they will be briefed on suggested outcomes to the investigation.
Meanwhile, its believed the Sharks are salary cap compliant in 2018, and there is no suggestion their 2016 premiership is at threat.
[Source: NRL]
