Shane Flanagan can return to the NRL next year, but the former Cronulla Sharks coach is only eligible to be an assistant in 2020 and 2021.

Flanagan was suspended by the NRL for a year in late 2013 after an investigation into the Sharks' supplements program.

The 53-year-old was then deregistered in December last year after it was found he had violated terms of his initial ban.

However, Flanagan can make his return next year, the NRL announced in a statement on Friday.

"I have spoken to Shane at length and he has expressed significant remorse and accepted responsibility for his past actions and the detrimental impact they have had on the game," NRL chief executive Todd Greenberg said.

"We have created a pathway for Shane to return to the coaching ranks. Today's decision gives Shane an opportunity to be registered in the NRL.

"This is not a set and forget approach. Shane and any future club who employs him has numerous conditions which they must comply with and the integrity unit will continue to monitor his conduct over the next two seasons."

Flanagan, who led the Sharks to the 2016 premiership, was pleased with the NRL's decision.

"Today I met with the NRL and I both respect and accept the course of action they have taken," he said.

"I look forward to returning to the coaching ranks, firstly as an assistant coach and hopefully one day a head coach again."

The NRL told Flanagan no consideration would be given to "expediting his return to a head coaching role" beyond its decision on Friday.