Cronulla are on track to qualify for a $400,000 discount on the fine imposed by the NRL for management failings in the club's controversial supplements program in 2011.
The Sharks were fined $1 million in March for failing to properly safeguard the health and welfare of their players after the NRL ruled they were exposed to significant risks.
However, it was announced $400,000 of that amount would be suspended should the bottom-placed club fulfil a series of conditions, which included corporate governance reforms. The Sharks were initially given a deadline of July 31 to comply, meaning they had just over a week to ensure any proposed changes are implemented.
However, they have been given an extension, most probably of a few weeks, as there was a delay in setting up a review by Ernst & Young.
The review is likened to the reforms being conducted at the Wests Tigers, whose structures are being modernised.
The Sharks review is intended to get more skilled people onto the board and it is understood their officials are embracing the recommended changes.
Cronulla directors are now elected every two years, making long-term planning difficult. The review is likely to recommend longer board terms, which would require the Sharks to make changes to their constitution. The governing body hopes members will embrace the proposal.
An NRL spokesman said the Sharks review was progressing well.
"The aim of the review is to help set up the Sharks for future success," he said.
Cronulla officials estimate the cost of the ongoing Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority investigations into the club is about $4 million to date when legal fees and lost sponsorship opportunities are factored in. That makes the $400,000 saving all the more vital for the side most likely to finish with the wooden spoon.
The Sharks had considered appointing an interim coach to replace caretaker Peter Sharp but it is now likely there will be no new staffers this year to assist James Shepherd, who will see out the season at the helm.
In making the announcement to retain the interim coach, club chairman Damian Keogh was confident Shepherd had the ability and respect of the players to make a good fist of the role.
“James has expressed a willingness to step into the role and is familiar with the players, staff and the systems here at the club so his appointment will result in minimal disruption,” Keogh said. “He is an accomplished coach who we have every confidence in and he has the backing of the senior playing group. It has been a challenging season for all concerned, with James now our third NRL coach, added to the fact that we have been without key players such as Gallen, Lewis and Fifita for much of the year and have battled a massive injury toll. Through it all James has gone about his business very competently and with a minimum of fuss and we have no doubt he will continue to be able to do that for our remaining games this year."
Shepherd was grateful for the chance. “I’m privileged to have been given this opportunity. Having been at the club a number of years now I’m happy here and comfortable with the playing group. Over the past few weeks the senior players have been excellent and with their continued support we will come together to try to win as many games as possible over the next seven weeks to finish our season on a positive note.”
Suspended mentor Shane Flanagan is poised to take the reins on September 17 if he qualifies for a discount on his one-year suspension by completing a number of educational tasks set out by the league.
Sacked Dragons coach Steve Price is being considered as an assistant for 2015.
Despite a tumultuous period on and off the field, LabourHealth has signed up as a major sponsor for the rest of the season, but a backer is yet to be confirmed for next year.
The club is still awaiting to learn whether ASADA will issue show-cause letters to NRL players. Five current members believed to be in the agency's sights.
Cronulla captain Paul Gallen was not named and is almost certain to be part of the side to take on Penrith at Bathurst's Carrington Park on Saturday.
Sam Tagataese is back for the injured Bryce Gibbs (hip flexor), Chris Heighington returns from a calf strain to replace Siosaia Vave (pectoral; out for season) and Matt Prior comes onto a six-man bench that will be trimmed before kick-off.
