Cronulla won't rush champion halfback Cooper Cronk into a decision on his future, even with the State of Origin series out of the way.
Ever since he announced he was leaving Melbourne for personal reasons in April, Cronk has long maintained he would wait until after the Origin period before deciding whether he would play on.
The 33-year-old also admitted on Wednesday night it would be hard to walk away from the success of the Queensland dressing room, indicating he may yet play another season in the NRL.
If he does, Cronulla are considered the frontrunners to secure his signature, given his desire to move to Sydney and be closer to his partner.
But Sharks coach Shane Flanagan, who admitted this week he had been in constant contact with Cronks' manager, said he wouldn't use the opportunity to force him into a decision.
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"Cooper is his own man," Flanagan said
"He's going to make his decision when he wants to.
"When he does that we'll see where we are. It's not a given that we're even going to talk to Cooper. They're might be some other clubs.
"If it happens we'll see where we're at that time and make a decision then."
Flanagan also said he was unconcerned about whether the speculation over Cronk would hurt the side's run to the finals.
Chief playmaker James Maloney is desperate to up his contract value at the Sharks, and could have potential suitors in Newcastle or South Sydney if Cronulla are able to land Cronk's signature.
"James is on contract at the moment at the club," Flanagan said.
"I've said all the time unless I get a quality replacement James won't be going anywhere.
"I will just deal with those kinds of things on the run if I have to. We've got a really important semi finals series not that far away."
Cronk again proved his worth on Wednesday night, pulling off the play of the match with a flat cross-field kick for Maroons winger and Sharks fullback Valentine Holmes to score.
"I've got some thinking to do, there's no doubt about that," Cronk said in the sheds.
"I don't know what I'm going to do but I'll tell you, it's hard to give up moments like that."
