Whether it's a rookie, proven veteran, or Shane Flanagan survives in the role, Cronulla need a "boss" to coach their premiership-ready NRL team, according to captain Paul Gallen.
The Sharks have already signalled their intention to seek a reduction in the $800,000 fine imposed by the NRL on Wednesday for breaking rules regarding Flanagan's ban in 2014.
It remains unclear whether the premiership-winning coach will appeal his provisional deregistration as both he and the club wait to consider evidence compiled by the NRL integrity unit.
The paperwork is expected to arrive by the end of the week.
In the meantime, assistants Jim Dymock and John Morris will act as caretakers of a squad widely tipped to challenge for a premiership in 2019.
Former Manly coach Trent Barrett has already been linked to the role, while Penrith assistant Cameron Ciraldo has also been mentioned as a replacement.
Barrett has history in the Shire, having spent the final two years of his playing career at the Sharks, however both the club and his manager on Thursday denied any dialogue has begun.
Gallen was unsure whether the 53-year-old Flanagan would appeal his punishment.
"Obviously he's afforded that right to appeal it, we'll just have to wait and see. There's a lot of speculation at the moment," Gallen told AAP.
"For me, the number one thing is his welfare. This is a professional sport. There's a lot of money at stake, people's livelihoods, and that's gone."
Gallen was also reluctant to discuss coaching possibilities but when asked whether the team needed a coach with premiership experience, he replied: "We need a boss.
"Who that is, I don't know.
"We still don't know if it's not going to be Flanno. We've got to remember that he's got an appeals process in place there."
Flanagan's sanction follows the shock departure of star back Valentine Holmes, who is pursuing a career in the NFL.
However the club has recruited some major names in Shaun Johnson and Josh Morris to add some serious star power to an already experienced roster.
Gallen, meanwhile, hailed the leadership group that stood by chief executive Barry Russell and their skipper when they fronted media in relation to the NRL investigation on Wednesday.
"I've never been more impressed with the senior playing group as I was yesterday," he said.
"We spoke in the morning as a playing group and just their attitude - Josh Morris, Matty Moylan, Aaron Woods, Andrew Fifita, guys like that, their attitude is football.
"I wanted them at the press conference yesterday to show a united front and reassure fans we're not limping into 2019 feeling sorry for ourselves."
Share
