NRL 2020: Shane Flanagan, John Cartwright sacked in coaching overhaul

Former Cronulla premiership coach Shane Flanagan is among the high profile coaches to be tapped on the shoulder in a bloody day for the NRL.

Shane Flanagan is on the open market.

Dragons assistant coach Shane Flanagan and Manly senior assistant John Cartwright have both been tapped on the shoulder in a bloody day for the NRL coaching fraternity.

The Dragons are yet to confirm widespread reports the club told him on Friday the club did not have a job for him in 2021.

News of the Dragons’ move came just hours before it was first reported by Channel 9 former Gold Coast coach Cartwright had also been told by the Sea Eagles he was not wanted beyond this season.

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Flanagan is reported to have signed a one-year deal with the Dragons last year in a contract that included a second-year option in the club’s favour.

Despite early reports the club was considering exploring options for Flanagan to eventually replace former coach Paul McGregor when his head-coaching ban expires, the club instead has cut the former Sharks mentor loose.

According to reports Dragons high-performance manager Nathan Pickworth and assistant James Shepherd have also been told their contracts will not be renewed for 2021 as the Dragons cleared the decks for new coach Anthony Griffin’s arrival at the end of the year.

Dragons assistant coach Shane Flanagan.

Griffin is expected to stick with interim coach Dean Young as his chief lieutenant for 2021 after the club overlooked Young’s application to replace McGregor in the top job on a full time basis.

Young remains contracted to the Dragons next year, but foxsports.com.au reports at least two clubs have also reached out to him regarding assistant coaching roles.

“I’m in the coaching game for the long haul, I’m only 36 and I’ve been an assistant coach for six years so I’ve still got a lot to learn, just like head coaches who are 50 years of age,” Young told AAP.

“I view myself as a coach and where my journey goes, I’m not too sure.

“We’ll work that out in the future.”

Former Manly coach Trent Barrett with former assistant coaches Anthony Seibold and John Cartwright.

According to Channel 9 journalist Danny Weidler, Cartwright has joined Flanagan on the scrapheap after senior coach Des Hasler decided on a shake-up.

“Manly have told high profile assistant John Cartwright he is not part of their plans next year,” Weidler posted on Twitter.

“Des Hasler on the look out for new assistant. Cartwright was linked with Cowboys top job but missed out.”