Former Dragons coach Steve Price has emerged as a front-runner to take over at embattled Cronulla after Peter Sharp's exit.

Cronulla boss Steve Noyce is insisting the 10-match coaching gig at the Sharks is an attractive proposition after Kangaroos coach Tim Sheens turned down the chance to succeed Sharp as interim mentor.

Sharp, a stand-in for Shane Flanagan, who was suspended for the NRL season over the club's 2011 supplements scandal, stepped aside from his temporary role at the crisis-hit club on Tuesday.

Sharp quits as Sharks coach

The move followed the Sharks' decision to dump playmaker Todd Carney after an unsavoury image of the troubled star went viral on social media.

With 10 rounds to go, the Sharks are last on the NRL ladder but Noyce believes the club won't have any trouble filling the head coaching role until Flanagan's ban ends in September.

David Furner, Price and Brett Kimmorley have been touted as potential candidates.

"It's business as usual for us. I certainly thank Peter - this year has been difficult. He has tried his best but thought it was time to move on and I accept that," Noyce said on Tuesday.

"Tough times don't last. Tough people and tough clubs do.

"The best person for the job will get the job. That's exciting. I think it's a good opportunity. There are some goals at this club for the next 10 weeks. We have a good roster, we will invest in the resources, we need to win games."

Noyce revealed that Sheens had turned down an offer to take over and ruled out assistant coach James Shepherd, who is running the team temporarily, heading the club.

Noyce also said Paul Gallen would not take over as captain-coach.

Sharp did not return calls, but in a statement said: "The decision I've made to step down is in the best interests of the club, and I believe for me it is in my best interests as well.

"I hope the players can fulfil their potential and finish the season on a positive note."

Noyce indicated the Sharks could fill the head-coaching position as soon as Wednesday.

Gallen said two weeks ago that the players were not putting in 100 per cent because the impression was that Sharp wasn't putting in 100 per cent, but he denies his comments had caused a rift between skipper and coach.

"It's a bit of a shock, to be honest with you," he said.

"[Sharp's] made a decision for himself ... he had a tough week," Gallen said.

"He's at the stage of his life where he doesn't need all these pressures that go along with being a first-grade coach."

Cronulla faces the Sydney Roosters at Allianz Stadium on Saturday night.

AAP