Shane Flanagan's challenge: What he must fix first

Shane Flanagan

MORE: Shane Flanagan cleared to return to coaching | The Lurker - NRL Rumour File - Friday

He's got plenty on his 'to do' list and here's a set of six to kick things off.

Sort out the Paul Gallen mess
Gallen is walking around with a massive chip on both shoulders and justifiably so in the opinion of many. But if he keeps dragging his bottom lip, it's going to be like a cancer for the Cronulla Sharks. Flanagan is the one man who Gallen will listen to and the coach needs to deliver it straight. The time for self-pity is over. If Gallen leads the way, Cronulla can make a noise next year.

Don't mention the war  
Flanagan is back and the rest of those who accepted suspensions return to duty in just over a fortnight. As we touched on above, the Sharks have nothing to gain by continually looking in the rear vision mirror. By all means use it as motivation in 2015, but what's done is done. It's time to move on and leave 2014 for the history books.

Put the fire back in Fifita
Andrew Fifita was the hottest property in the game 12 months ago but hardly earned his keep in 2014. Even more disturbing were reports the damaging prop had return to some of his loose off-field ways. Flanagan needs to get in the big lug's ear to make sure he is fit, focussed and motivated to make amends in 2015.

Hit the player market – quickly
No CEO, no coach and no captain. Is it any wonder player managers have been reluctant to deal with the basket case that has been the Sharks? But with the coach back in place and the skipper returning soon, some firm decisions can be made on the playing roster. There's not much left on the open market but the boys in the black, white and blue could sure do with a decent five-eighth and a strike centre or two. Just for starters. Flanno will be working the phones as we speak.

Get the fans back on side
No set of supporters has been put through as much torture and pain as the Cronulla faithful. For nearly half a century they've waited on the front porch for the light to be turned on, but still there's been no premiership. They are a resilient lot – they've had to be – but even the most rusted-on Sharks fan has been left wondering if there are better ways to spend a winter. Flanagan, Gallen and Co need to get on a charm offensive to win back the disenfranchised and convince them there is a bright future for the Shire club.

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