Faifax Media understands that Flanagan has been approached and is considering switching to England for some part of the Super League season as either an assistant or consultant.

He could also use his time in England as a fact-finding mission, inspecting various professional sporting clubs to explore differing coaching methods. Despite being banned for 12 months, Flanagan has continued to be paid by the Sharks and is in the process of negotiating a three-year extension to remain at the club until at least 2017.

An NRL spokesman said Flanagan was free to coach in England, with his ban restricted to the NRL competition.

Salford’s eccentric owner Dr Marwan Koukash confirmed Flanagan had been discussed as a coaching candidate.

"It's a strong possibility that Flanagan could be joining us on a consultancy basis to help us out," Dr Koukash told Britian’s Sporting Life website. "His manager is a good friend of mine and he knows how to build structures.

"We need to be developing our own players and he is the ideal person to advise us on this."

Flanagan’s appeal against a 12-month ban was rejected in March. His suspension could be reduced to nine months if he undertakes further education and demonstrates awareness of his obligations as a head coach, meaning he could return this year should Cronulla reach the finals.

He is not allowed to have any direct or indirect involvement with the Sharks this season, nor is he able to be active in the club’s long-term recruitment and retention plans.

Meanwhile, Cronulla players are lacking intensity in the absence of Flanagan, according to skipper Paul Gallen.

Gallen went as far as to compare the situation, where Peter Sharp has begrudgingly accepted the interim coaching position, with that of a replacement teacher taking charge of a classroom.

“It’s like the relief teacher at school – no matter how much you tell the kids to be good, they are always going to relax and muck up a little bit,” Gallen said.

“When Flanno (Flanagan) was gone I thought we could go two ways – be the team I know we can be and finish in the top four or go the other way. I think we’ve gone the other way. A few players have taken their foot off the gas and Flanno is not here jumping down students' throats.”

Sharp backed his captain’s analogy.

“It is like being a relief teacher a little bit,” Sharp said. “This club has been to hell and back. With Flanno going, it’s probably like a big release valve.

“They can see a window of opportunity and take their foot off their pedal.”

The Sharks are also facing a deepening injury crisis.

With Gallen, Anthony Tupou and Luke Lewis sidelined, they have slumped to four consecutive losses. Their backline is set to be torn apart, too, with wingers Beau Ryan (neck) and Sosaia Feki (knee) injured while Michael Gordon (knee) is in severe doubt to play the Warriors on Saturday.

Nathan Gardner (hamstring) and Nathan Stapleton (back) were unable to complete training.