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TABLE-topping Sharks coach Shane Flanagan is the toast of the rugby league town, and one of his most strident critics has joined the masses in raising a glass.
Former Queensland Origin mainstay and FoxSports NRL 360 host Ben Ikin is the first to admit he was particularly vocal in his criticism of Flanagan in the wake of the 2011 ASADA supplements scandal.
Flanagan was stood down from coaching for the 2014 season when the club sunk to the bottom of the ladder amid an endless sea of controversy with the 50-year-old at one point considering walking away from the role.
But within 18 months of returning Flanagan has revamped Cronullas roster and turned them into genuine premiership threats, prompting the club to kick off contract extension talks with their coach beyond 2017.
Its a reward Flanagan thoroughly deserves according to Ikin.
Like many of us I had a bit of a go-slow on him after the whole 2011 supplements scandal, Ikin said on the Fox Sports NRL Market Watch podcast.
But hes served his time, hes come back, hes done everything that was asked of him and it appears to me that he was welcomed back with open arms by club officials and the players in particular.
To me his greatest strength is that hes a players coach in that they actually want to play for him.
'There's not a better option''There's not a better option'0:38
Gold Coast forward Luke Douglas joins Ben Ikin, Nathan Ryan and Ben Glover on the Market Watch podcast to discuss the Titans new recruits and secret to the clubs revival.
Skipper and long-time right hand man Paul Gallen recently gave a similar endorsement of Flanagans standing with both himself and the wider squad.
Gallen told foxsports.com.au last month that being coached by Flanagan was a major factor in his decision to reject a lucrative deal to join Manly in 2011.
Flanagans greatest selling point in recent years has been the leaps and bounds made by individuals under his watch.
From developing youngsters Jack Bird and Valentine Holmes, to veteran recruits Michael Ennis and Luke Lewis, the majority of Cronullas squad are playing at or near career-best form.
Then of course theres Ben Barba. After a disastrous shift to Brisbane and an underwhelming first season in The Shire, the 26-year-old is starting to replicate the performances that won him the 2012 Dally M Medal and standing as the games most dangerous player.
The great coaches have players come to their club and become better than what they were. Thats the case for Shane Flanagan, Ikin says.
I dont think theres a player and you can go right through to Michael Ennis that hasnt become better than what they were under his coaching.
Both Jack Bird (left) and Ben Barba are flourishing under Flanagans coaching.Both Jack Bird (left) and Ben Barba are flourishing under Flanagans coaching.Source: AAP
When Flanagan first took the clipboard after Ricky Stuart was sacked late in 2010, Cronullas cupboard was all but bare.
There were games there where wed need everyone in our team to play their best game and everyone in their team to play their worst because we just didnt have a strong roster, Gallen says of the years spent swimming at the shallow end of the NRL pool.
Now the Sharks are in a genuinely enviable position according to Ikin, flush for talent both young and old.
With Bird, Holmes and captain-in-waiting Wade Graham all looming as long-term prospects at the club, Cronulla will make calls on whether to retain off-contract veterans Ennis, Gallen, Lewis in coming months or continue the regeneration process.
The pleasing thing for Shane Flanagan is (Cronulla) have probably got a list where its surplus to needs. Hes got choice, Ikin says.
Hes got young players coming through, hes got older statesmen of the game still playing good football all wanting to remain at the club.
Now when they want to be there thats when you get some bargaining power. If they want to be there, if theyre absolutely resolute about staying at an organisation then you get to come in at a lower rate.
Youre sometimes looking at a 10-20 per cent discount just because they want to stay at the club and play under that coach.
