Shane Flanagan is shocked to hear rumours about him returning to a head coaching role before his ban expires on November 1.
The former Cronulla Sharks coach said that he has made no official application to the NRL to have his ban lifted early.
“I was shocked,” Flanagan told SEN 1170's Mornings with Matt White
“I’ve had regular contact with the NRL, with Mr (Peter) V’Landys and Mr (Andrew) Abdo. But there's been no application for me to come back early.
“I want to coach in the NRL but there are no jobs available. If a coaching role opens up, I’ll take it 100 per cent.
“I understand what I did was wrong, but those people don’t know a lot about what happened in the past.”
Flanagan also believes the speculation is putting unnecessary pressure on current Sharks coach John Morris.
“I understand how they put the jigsaw puzzle together; the club hasn’t won one competition and I’m unemployed, but for John it’s unfair," he said.
“NRL coaching is hard enough.”
However, Flanagan stated that he is ready for an NRL coaching job, should one become available.
"If a coaching position does open up, I’ll take it 100 per cent," he added.
“For people saying that I shouldn’t be back before the ban has ended, I’ve learnt my lesson and I will represent the game and the club that I work for to the highest standard.”
Listen to the full interview with Shane Flanagan below: