CEO Dino Mezzatesta, GM of Partnerships Rebecca Hughes and former club legend Luke Lewis joined local MP’s and Coffs Harbour council staff in launching and promoting the Sharks NRL regional game against the Gold Coast Titans.
In a media address held at the C.ex Coffs International Stadium, the venue for the NRL clash, the delegation from the Sharks talked to the success of the 2021 game in Coffs while emphasising their commitment to the region, with Mezzatesta pledging a $2500 donation to the community OOSH Centre in Woolgoolga while paying a visit to the nearby north coast school.
“The game in 2021 was a wonderful experience for our players, members, fans and for the NSW North Coast community and we expect nothing different this time around,” Mezzatesta began.
“We were embraced by the local Council, community and rugby league supporters of the region last season which made the decision to return an easy one, with taking this game to Coffs giving us the opportunity to again showcase our club and the NRL to a regional audience.
“The Sharks are now invested in the Coffs coast area as it allows us to expand our brand, we are keen to grow what has become a solid supporter base and further develop our partnerships in community programs in the region,” Mezzatesta said.
The Sharks and Titans are scheduled to meet in round 15, on Saturday, June 18, with the local area excited to see the return of elite level rugby league in establishing Coffs Harbour as an ideal destination for major sporting events.
“We are thrilled yet again to host another Sharks home game at our brilliant C.ex Coffs International Stadium and further cement our position as the regional sporting capital of Australia,” Coffs Harbour Mayor, Councillor Paul Amos said.
“The Sharks were super keen to come back here to play the Titans after their successful clash in 2021. That’s a testament to the fantastic facilities that we provide here, and the staff that run them.
“We can’t wait to deliver once again for our community and visitors,” Cr Amos added.
The NSW Government has provided $100,000 to Coffs Harbour City Council for the delivery of this sporting extravaganza, with Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh another looking forward to again be welcoming the NRL to the north coast region.
“The Regional Events Acceleration Fund boosts local economies like ours by supporting the growth of existing events and attracting new major domestic and international ones,” Mr Singh said.
“I know footy fans across our city, and far beyond, are looking forward to the 2022 NRL Telstra Premiership fixture between Cronulla Sharks and Gold Coast Titans. I can’t wait to see this exciting re-match bring the bumper crowds back to C.ex Coffs International Stadium.”
However, while the spotlight is on the game, the Sharks reinforced their commitment to making a difference in the local community, with Mezzatesta donating $2,500 to support the Community OOSH centre in Woolgoolga, with the funds going towards their northern rivers flood relief efforts.
The group from the Sharks also passed out flags and miniature toy Sharks during their visit.
David Bourke, the Director of Community OOSH Services, praised the Sharks for taking an interest in and supporting the regional community.
“Community OOSH Services is grateful for their visit to our Woolgoolga centre where the Sharks have provided a chance for the kids to be involved with a large football club that is promoting a healthy active lifestyle,” Mr Bourke said.
“We thank the Sharks for supporting our charity day "Helping Hands Flood Relief" with their generous donation that will be sent to the recent flood appeal to help the people affected by this disaster.”
Community OOSH Services offers before and after school care, along with a vacation care program, at five centres across northern NSW.
Special Coffs Harbour Memberships are being offered, which includes a members pack, entry to watch the Captain’s run the day prior to the match, while guaranteeing a ticket to the game.
Sharks Members tickets go on sale next Tuesday, April 19.
Tickets for the general public are available on Friday April 22, from 9am, however becoming a member is the only way to guarantee entry.
