The Sharks v Cowboys match, scheduled for the Sunshine Coast on Saturday, has been relocated to Netstrata Jubilee Stadium due to the COVID situation in South-east Queensland.
Along with the Titans v Raiders, which will now be the second match of a double-header at Netstrata, Saturday’s NRL Telstra Premiership Matches scheduled to be played in southeast Queensland have been moved to Sydney on a risk-based approach to ensuring continuity in the competition.
The Titans will relocate to Sydney this afternoon and remain in Sydney until the NRL’s health experts are comfortable the risk of infection on the Gold Coast has subsided, while the Sharks opponents in the Cowboys will remain based in Townsville.
The Sharks will distribute all membership, corporate hospitality and ticketing information later today.
Sharks CEO Dino Mezzatesta was disappointed with the confirmation of the relocation but understanding of the NRL’s stance.
“It is extremely disappointing that for the second year in a row there has been a forced to cancelation of our Sunshine Coast game. We were very much looking forward to giving our members a different experience in Queensland, while also showcasing the Sharks to a regional audience,” Mezzatesta said.
“But that being said, we understand and support the NRL’s decision to relocate games, with the health and safety of our players, staff and fans of paramount importance.”
NRL Chief Executive Andrew Abdo said the relocation ensured there was no risk to Premiership games proceeding this weekend.
“Our priority is ensuring all matches proceed this weekend. While the infection rates in southeast Queensland are positive today, the risk of further outbreaks emerging between now and Saturday exists,’’ he said.
“By confirming the relocation of games today all clubs, players and fans have certainty to plan for the weekend’s fixtures and as a game we eliminate the risk around whether those matches will take place.
“I want to thank all clubs who are making sacrifices for the greater good of our game. These are difficult decisions to make but decisions that ensure our competition continues this weekend without interruption.
“I also want to acknowledge our fans. I know fans on the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast were looking forward to going to these games. We were particularly excited to be taking a game to the Sunshine Coast. However our priority must be ensuring we can complete Round 4 without risk of losing matches,” Abdo said.
The game is now set down to kick off at 5.15pm, with the Titans and Raiders to follow at 7.45pm.
Ticketing information from Ticketek
Dear ticket holder,
In relation to the Greater Brisbane COVID-19 lockdown, SHARKS v COWBOYS at Sunshine Coast Stadium, Saturday, April 3, 2021 will no longer proceed.
The Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks understand that these changes to the schedule will impact many but hope the community will understand that the public health and safety issues caused by the coronavirus must take priority at this time.
What happens to my tickets?
The purchase of tickets through Ticketek for this impacted event will be fully refunded.
Tickets purchased by credit or debit card for this event will be refunded in full (including ticket insurance premium and refundable ticket purchase, if relevant) and patrons do not need to take any action. Patrons should allow approximately 20 working days for the refund to appear in their account.
If the credit or debit card you used for the purchase has been permanently closed/cancelled or the card has expired, please supply us with updated bank details here within 3 business days since the date of this email in order to process your refund.
If you do not provide correct details, we will be unable to refund your tickets.
Patrons who purchased tickets in an Agency using cash or EFTPOS will receive a full refund to a bank account. Please provide us with your bank accounts details here.
