Shane Flanagan in line to replace sacked David Furner at Leeds

Cronulla’s premiership-winning coach Shane Flanagan could resurrect his career in England after emerging as an early favourite to replace a fellow former NRL coach and player.

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Cronulla’s former premiership-winning coach Shane Flanagan could resurrect his career in England after emerging as an early favourite to replace David Furner at Leeds.

Furner, the ex-Canberra coach, has initiated immediate legal action against Leeds after being

unceremoniously sacked, just 14 games into a three-year contract.

Flanagan, who was deregistered for breaching the terms of his 2014 supplements scandal suspension has been mentioned as a potential early replacement.

Privately, the NRL says it would not prevent him from moving to England, but would not consider him for an Australian return in the short-term.

Former Sharks coach Shane Flanagan could replace Furner at Leeds. Picture: Damian Shaw

Leeds announced last night Furner would “leave the club with immediate effect.”

The Daily Telegraph understands Furner will take legal action for unfair dismissal, arguing he has not breached his contract.

Leeds have struggled this season, winning just four of 14 games, but Furner was hired to shake up and reinvigorate a lacklustre Rhinos playing roster.

Furner constantly urged Leeds powerbrokers to offload up to five modestly performing players but his calls were ignored. It is understood the club had too many players signed on long-term deals to sack them.

Furner took over Leeds earlier this year.

Furner will likely return to Australia and seek an assistant coaching position.

One well-placed source said: “They signed David to fix the roster but then wouldn’t let him do it. He is seeking unfair dismissal in court.”

The English Super League honours suspensions given to NRL players, but not coaches, meaning Flanagan would be free to join an English club.

Flanagan has previously shown a resistance to leave Australia because he would miss the on-field development of his son Kyle at Cronulla.

The Rhinos will have plenty of cash to throw at an elite Australian coach.

Leeds’ director of rugby, Kevin Sinfield and club chief executive Gary Hetherington reached the decision after meetings over the weekend.

Paul Gallen and Barry Russell address the media after Shane Flanagan was deregistered. Picture: Brett Costello

Leeds currently sit third last on the Super League table.

Rhinos assistant coach Richard Agar, who had previously worked with St George Illawarra, will take over for the club’s Challenge Cup sixth-round match against the Bradford Bulls this weekend at Odsal Stadium.

“This was a very difficult decision and not one we have taken lightly,” Sinfield said in a club statement.

“David was an outstanding candidate to be our head coach and was my first choice for the job.

“Unfortunately, we have not started the season as we had all hoped and action was needed to move in a fresh direction with this group of players this season.

“I would like to thank David for his commitment to the club especially the sacrifices he made to travel from his home in Australia to take up our challenge.

Furner was assistant coach when North Queensland won the 2015 grand final and helped Anthony Seibold guide South Sydney into the final four last season.

He was also Tim Sheens’ assistant coach with the Kangaroos.

“This season has been really disappointing so far with team performances well below what we expected,” Hetherington said.

“When Kevin returned to the club last summer his primary focus was to restore the team to challenge for honours and he has the full support of our board to do this.”