Chris Anderson is set to be retained as Cronulla coach for the 2004 National Rugby League season in a decision that will save the club around $750,000.

Anderson is expected to receive a public show of support from the Sharks board after the parties met for crisis talks at a Cronulla hotel.

Sharks president Barry Pierce was tightlipped about what was said during the 90-minute meeting, but Anderson emerged confident he would see out the final year of his three-year contract, believed to worth $450,000 a season.

Asked if it could be assumed he would be at the helm next season, Anderson said: "Fairly safely, I think".

"It was a good positive meeting. We've got a bit of a plan in place to go forward from here.

"We've still got some issues to sort out but we're moving forward in a real positive frame of mind, which is great."

Anderson, who issued a "back me or sack me" ultimatum to the board after Sunday's 40-12 loss to Canberra, said he never wanted to leave.

"I've got a contract I want to fulfil. Hopefully it's good for me and good for Cronulla," he said.

Pierce, who admitted to being surprised at Anderson's outburst on Sunday, said he had always supported the coach and described the latest developments as "healthy".

"I can't say much more than that, but it was very encouraging," Pierce said.

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