WHEN Paul Gallen speaks, the decision-makers at Cronulla listen.
This year the Sharks have had more coaches than a tourist bus company.
Shane Flanagan was in charge of the pre-season until he was suspended by the NRL until September 15 this year, for the 2010-11 supplements scandal.
Enter assistant Peter Sharp.
Three weeks ago Sharp bailed out and left the job.
Former Kogarah Marist school teacher James Shepherd became the new, caretaker, interim, temporary coach.
Sounds confusing . . . it is.
Former Dragons head coach Steve Price, who was sacked and replaced by Paul McGregor, was mentioned in dispatches as the next man in line to fill the breach this year at the Sharks.
Price also wanted to get an assistant coaching role for 2015-16 season when Flanagan returns at the Sharks.
McGregor, himself, is keen to get the Dragons gig full-time.
But Wayne Bennett is in the mix for a second coming at the club.
That could still happen, but Gallen met with Sharks management on Tuesday and unless there is a bolt of lightning that now alters the equation, James Shepherd will stay in charge for the final eight games.
Injured hooker John Morris is also helping out at training and also as the on-field trainer on game days.
Gallen told the chief executive Steve Noyce two days ago that another coach, meaning another voice and his own ideas, plans and strategies, might cause even more distraction for the team.
Shepherd was under-20s coach at the Sharks last season.
He was an assistant this year before stepping up to the top job.
Shepherd is articulate, well liked by the players, and keeps things smooth and relaxed during the week and on game day.
Sometimes too many cooks can spoil the broth. Too many coaches can also complicate things.
Let the Sharks follow the good "shepherd" James in this case.
Sponsor walks the walk
MORE than 30 ANSTO employees have entered the annual Sutherland2Surf this Sunday. Often used as a preparation course for the City2Surf, the Sutherland2Surf is an 11-kilometre fun run and walk.
"The Sutherland2Surf is a great community event, and we're pleased to be sponsoring it again this year," resident, runner and ANSTO employee, Catherine Kelleher said.
ANSTO has supported the event for several years and is a silver level sponsor of the Tradies ANSTO Pro-Sprint award.
