Cronulla assistant Peter Sharp ready to step-up as Shane Flanagan's replacement

PETER Sharp looks ready for a full-time coaching return to the NRL with Sharks coach Shane Flanagan suspended for a year.

PETER Sharp looks ready for a full-time coaching return to the NRL.

Sharp, the assistant coach at Cronulla, is now poised to step-up into the top role with Shane Flanagan suspended for a year.

It was Sharp who filled-in when Cronulla's board suspended Flanagan for three games earlier in the year.

Brett Kimmorley and Tim Sheens were also names mentioned.

Kimmorley though is with Canberra, Sheens still travelling after Australia's World Cup success.

Raiders officials say Kimmorley has not yet requested a release and has another year to run on his contract.

SHARKS FINED, FLANAGAN SUSPENDED

It has been speculated Kimmorley will join Sharp as an assistant next year but Kimmorley told foxsports.com.au. he has not been contacted by anyone from Cronulla.

"I haven't spoken to anyone from the club," Kimmorley said.

"I was in Canberra today and I am contracted to Canberra."

Kimmorley spent seven seasons playing halfback for Cronulla and has a strong relationship with Sharp.

Despite their connection, Kimmorley was unaware of where reports he would join the club came from.

"I've known Sharpy for a long while," he said.

"I played reserve grade under him when I started my career and joined him at the Northern Eagles when I came back from Melbourne. I've had a long relationship with him but I've had no discussions with him."

Sharp knows the players and systems in place at Remondis Stadium.

News_Rich_Media: Sports lawyer Darren Kane explains where the Cronulla Sharks must go from here and what steps remain in ASADA's investigations.

Given he is already employed at the club, Cronulla would not have to shell out big money for a replacement.

Sharp has held down a head coaching position previously at Manly and the Northern Eagles between 1999 and 2003.

He was also an assistant coach at Parramatta, Newcastle and Melbourne Storm. He coached Hull in Super League but left after his side won just four of the opening 14 matches in 2006.

Likeable with a good sense of humour, Sharp is a favourite among the Sharks playing roster.

TAB Sportsbet yesterday pushed Cronulla out in betting for the 2014 season from $17 to $21 after Flanagan's suspension. They opened betting at $13.

News_Image_File: Peter Sharp at Cronulla Training after ASADA announcement was made.