Former NRL premiership-winning coach Shane Flanagan will not be cleared to return to rugby league in 2020 as uncertainty over Paul McGregor's position gathers pace.
The former Cronulla mentor last week met with NRL CEO Todd Greenberg in the hope of being given the green light to resume his career.
It's understood the NRL have said they will not register a contract with Flanagan next year, although they would not stand in his way if he was offered an opportunity in the English Super League.
Flanagan's case may be reviewed by Rugby League Central at the end of 2020 with a view for a 2021 return.
He is serving time out of the game for communicating with Sharks officials during his 2014 ban over the club's supplements scandal.
Flanagan has reportedly been mentioned by St George Illawarra officials as a potential replacement for McGregor as the Red V face their equal worst-ever season as a joint venture.
McGregor was in April signed to a contract extension which was supposed to keep him at the club until the end of 2021.
But he is suddenly under pressure with the side registering just seven wins, with only Gold Coast below them on the ladder.
Unless they can defeat the Titans on Saturday night they will equal their poorest season performance which came under Steve Price in 2013.
Price was sacked midway through the following year for McGregor.
The Dragons have been the competition's biggest under-performers this year given they boast State of Origin representatives in Ben Hunt, Corey Norman, Tariq Sims, Paul Vaughan and English internationals James Graham and Gareth Widdop.
During McGregor's five full seasons in charge, the club has qualified for the finals on just two occasions - finishing eighth and bowing out in 2015 and reaching the second week last year.
The Dragons have won 65 and lost 72 during McGregor's time in charge for a winning percentage of 47 per cent.
The club has promised to undertake a review of its football department with assistants Ben Hornby and Dean Young reported to be on unsteady ground.
Sydney Roosters assistant Craig Fitzgibbon has also been mentioned as a potential replacement for McGregor given he lives in Wollongong.
Australian Associated Press
