Cameron Ciraldo

Sharks narrow head coach shortlist down to four

Cronulla will need to make a decision soon, if they’re to have a permanent coach ahead of their first pre-season game.

Published by
Stephen Marson

Cronulla are on the search for a new head coach after Shane Flanagan resigned on Monday, and the Sharks have narrowed their search down to a shortlist of candidates, according to the Daily Telegraph.

The Sharks will look at caretaker coach John Morris for the position, but will also look at Penrith assistant Cameron Ciraldo, former Manly coach Trent Barrett and St Helens coach Justin Holbrook.

According to the Telegraph, the Sharks could be interviewing candidates as early as Tuesday.

Morris could be viewed as the favourite for the position given his history, having spent the past nine years at the Sharks.

The 38-year-old was first a player at Cronulla before moving up their coaching ranks, and was an assistant to Flanagan before replacing him as interim coach earlier this year.

However, if the Sharks decide to look for someone outside the club who is young and fresh with ideas, Ciraldo could be their man.

The former Panthers player took over from Anthony Griffin when he was sacked last season, and has also led Italy at the World Cup.

Barrett could also take the reigns of Cronulla, after his ugly split from Manly last season.

Barrett took the Sea Eagles to the finals in 2017, and would welcome another position after everything he went through at Manly.

Finally, Holbrook would need a release from St Helens in order to make the move to Australia, which may be easier said than done given his record at the Saints.

In his two years at the club, Holbrook has helped the Saints to a 37-12 record.

The Sharks begin their pre-season trial matches with a clash against the Sea Eagles in 32 days' time.

Published by
Stephen Marson