Former Manly coach Trent Barrett has become a likely candidate to fill the position of head coach at Cronulla if Shane Flanagan doesn't appeal his latest de-registration.
Currently leading the Sharks are assistants John Morris and Jim Dymock, who have taken the role of caretaker coaches but Barrett remains well in the frame to lead to the sharks next year.
Barrett has history at the Sharks, after finishing his playing career in the Shire, and would be more than a perfect fit for the club.
The former Manly coached is looked after by Flanagan's manager Wayne Beavis, and does have some support from current members of the Cronulla board, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.
Despite missing out on the finals with Manly, Barrett had a huge respect among the players, especially their skipper and halfback Daly Cherry-Evans.
In the meantime, Sharks veteran Paul Gallen has endorsed the club's interim coaches, believing John Morris and Jim Dymock can keep the Sharks rolling in 2019.
"Even when struggling in years gone by, we're still a side other teams do not want to play," Gallen said.
"We have one superstar in the game, Shaun Johnson, who has joined our club, and that was the first thing he said, "I want to come and play for this club because you're a tough club and a chance of getting me to a grand final.
"The resilience this place shows, no matter how many times we're kicked when we're down or how many times we keep getting back up and getting out on to the field and doing our job, it's pretty amazing for me and it's pretty special.
"I have confidence in [Morris and Dymock] for the time being. At the end of the day Flanno has an appeals process.
"I suppose between now and then 'Bomber' [Morris] and Jimmy will be doing it. Once the Flanno situation is sorted out, we'll evaluate where we are then."