Shane Flanagan has talked up his chances of returning to the NRL as St George Illawarra coach Paul McGregor’s deputy in 2020.

Flanagan was quickly linked to the Dragons after the NRL confirmed last week that the former Cronulla coach would be eligible for registration as an assistant for the 2020 and 2021 seasons.

And the ex-Sharks mentor didn’t play down the speculation on Monday.

“It’s only down the road,” Flanagan told Macquarie Sports Radio.

“I made my (playing) debut at the Dragons, so there’s a bit of history there.”

Flanagan played three games for St George in his debut year of first grade in 1987 before moving to Western Suburbs in 1989.

Flanagan was banned indefinitely in December last year after he was found to have broken the terms of his 2014 supplements scandal ban by communicating with Cronulla officials.

But the 2016 Sharks premiership coach was told he would be eligible for registration from December 18 after speaking with NRL CEO Todd Greenberg last Friday.

It is also believed Flanagan also penned a 10-page apology letter expressing his regret.

“I’m super excited and motivated to get back in to it, it’s what I love,” Flanagan said.

“We’ll see what the next couple of weeks will hold.

“Most clubs, once their commitments are done, they do their reviews, go on some holidays and back in early November.

“So we’ll see what the next couple of weeks brings.”

Flanagan – who coached the Sharks for 101 wins in 184 matches – is tipped to be named as a Dragons assistant to McGregor who is set to remain as head mentor following Phil Gould’s post-season club review.