The Sharks on Monday officially announced Price's return to the NRL ranks, more than five months after he was sacked by St George Illawarra.

Ex-Dragons staff member Andrew Gray also joins the Sharks as high performance manager.

“Steve is a great addition to our staff and I’m certainly looking forward to having him as my assistant coach and to working alongside him,” Flanagan said.

“He was an NRL assistant for a long period before stepping up into a head coaching role and his experience and knowledge will be invaluable for us.

“Steve’s appointment complements the other staff changes, which has included the appointment of high performance coach Andrew Gray and a skilled training and medical staff.”

Price, who lives in the Sutherland Shire was looking forward to the opportunity.

 “I’m excited about the opportunity and to be working with Shane, his staff and the playing group here at the Sharks,” Price said.

“Shane is looking to implement cultural change and I’m keen to be a part of that.”

Flanagan has completed a ban from being involved with the club following the drawn out ASADA investigation, returning for pre-season training before Cronulla's 2015 campaign.

Price took over as Dragons coach after Wayne Bennett's exit from Wollongong at the end of the 2011 season, but did not make the finals during his time in charge.

Paul McGregor was appointed full-time Dragons coach after taking over from Price this year.