Shane Flanagan returns to Dragons in NRL

Shane Flanagan has returned to St George Illawarra as a list management consultant.

The 2016 premiership-winning Cronulla mentor was an assistant coach to Paul McGregor at the Dragons in 2020 but didn't have a second-year contract option activated when Anthony Griffin took charge.

Flanagan has often reiterated his desire to resume head coaching and is now clear to do so after serving a suspension, but appears to be off the market for the time being.

The 56-year-old will work to bolster St George Illawarra's NRL and development squads.

Ian Milward, who has previously been in charge of list management, will remain at the club as pathways director with a focus on overseeing recruitment and retention for the juniors.

"To have someone of Shane's calibre return to the Dragons will only complement our football program, particularly in the dynamic environment that is list management," general manager of football Ben Haran said.

"Shane will work closely with the club's recruitment and retention committee to ensure the Dragons' list remains competitive for many years to come.

"In my time previously working with Shane he clearly demonstrated his vast rugby league knowledge and connections throughout the game. We look forward to him returning to the Dragons."

Flanagan hasn't coached since 2018 when he was deregistered by the NRL after it was found he'd breached the terms of his 2014 ban by communicating with the Sharks during their peptide scandal.