NRL 2021: Steve Price to join Craig Fitzgibbon’s Sharks coaching staff

Craig Fitzgibbon’s Cronulla overhaul continues with the incoming coach landing another important signing for the Sharks ahead of 2022.

Steve Price is returning to the Sharks to join Craig Fitzgibbon’s coaching staff. Picture: Jonathan Ng

Craig Fitzgibbon has strengthened his coaching circle at Cronulla by appointing Warrington head coach and former NRL coach Steve Price as his assistant.

In a strategic move by Fitzgibbon and club management, Price has struck a deal to return to Australia and combine with the rookie coach for the 2022 season.

Price will join current interim head coach Josh Hannay and development coach Daniel Holdsworth as Fitzgibbon’s key staff in his inaugural year.

The 43-year-old was also discussed by the Bulldogs, Raiders and Titans as a potential acquisition to their coaching staff next year.

Price announced earlier this year that he was leaving Warrington to head home after three successful seasons.

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Steve Price is leaving Warrington after three successful seasons.

Without doubt, Price’s relationship with Cronulla, having played a major role alongside Shane Flanagan to claim the 2016 premiership, was a determining factor in returning to the club.

Flanagan has repeatedly praised Price’s influence on the side’s defensive systems to win their maiden title.

Fitzgibbon had also been looking at appointing Leeds Rhinos coach Richard Agar, but he has gone with Price.

Price will also provide the club with a direct conduit to the UK Super League.

Steve Price played a major role at Cronulla alongside Shane Flanagan to claim the 2016 premiership. Picture: Jonathan Ng

Price, who won a premiership with the Dragons as an assistant coach in 2010, took over from Wayne Bennett in 2012 at the Dragons, before being let go in 2014.

Price enjoyed great success in his return to head coaching with Warrington.

He took the club to two Challenge Cup Finals in 2018 and 2019 — where they won the latter — while the Wolves also advanced to the 2018 Super League grand final where they were beaten 12-4 by Wigan.