Welcome to the CEO Update for September as we look back on our 2022 season and at the same time turn our attention to 2023 with much positivity.
The year ended somewhat prematurely from the standpoint of what we were hoping for our NRL team, however Craig Fitzgibbon, his staff and the entire playing group should be congratulated for an outstanding season.
Thanks also to our members and corporate partners who were loyal in your support throughout the year, never more evident than in the home Final when we hosted the Cowboys, with that event the hottest ticket in town.
We recently held our annual Porter-Gallen Medal night, and I congratulate all winners, in particular Nicho Hynes for taking out the major award following what was an exceptional first year in Sharks colours.
On the night we also bid farewell to a legend of the club in Andrew Fifita and to a true NRL warrior in Aiden Tolman, with our best wishes certainly going to both for whatever their future’s might bring.
A special mention to Andrew, who following 212 top grade games over 11 seasons at the Sharks, one of those games being the 2016 Grand Final where he will long be remembered for that match-winning try, and he will forever hold a special place in our history while going down as one of the very best to ever to play in the black, white and blue.
To all departing players, thanks for your commitment and contribution to the Cronulla club.
Following on from our presentation event, what a wonderful achievement for Nicho who was named the Dally M Player of the Year. With a record point score, it was the fifth time the Dally M winner has come from our Club, with Nicho the fourth Sharks player to win, joining some illustrious company as he followed in the footsteps of club greats Steve Rogers, Gavin Miller, who was twice a winner, and Preston Campbell in receiving the NRL’s most prestigious individual award.
I will also take this opportunity to thank management and staff from all areas of the business for their efforts throughout the year, who will now get a chance to take a breath before gearing up to go again ahead of the 2023 season.
In this monthly update, our department heads will again detail what has taken place during the past month, while again I will provide another brief update on the Woolooware Bay development project.
Sharks at Kareela has enjoyed another excellent trading month and our General Manager Justin Coulton will update and offer some information as to what lies ahead. Justin will cover in more detail in his report, however I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Gina and her team at Cove Bar and Grill for being named as a finalist in the Restaurant & Catering Association 2022 Awards for Excellence. Those of us familiar with the Cove will be aware of the exceptional quality of the food offerings and it is great to see them again recognised further afield.
Our managers from the Commercial, Membership, Merchandise and Community departments, in addition to our General Manager of Football Darren Mooney, will also have plenty to communicate in rounding off the 2022 season.
Enjoy the summer, if you get the opportunity please patronise and enjoy the first-class service and facilities offered at Sharks at Kareela and keep an eye on Sharks media channels for any off-season news and member updates.
So please take the opportunity to read this September instalment of the CEO Update and we look forward to having your support once again in 2023.
Woolooware Bay
The new Sharks Leagues Club and Woolooware Bay Town Centre is certainly taking shape, with construction continuing in all areas as our development partners Aouyan work with their contractors towards the mid-2023 completion.
Plans for the new club have been finalised, while in relation to the Woolooware Bay Town centre, Aouyan has again provided the below information as to the current status of the construction.
• High level services to the retail levels are almost complete, providing the required provisions to the individual retail tenancies.
• Blockwork has continued to be installed through Ground Floor and Level 1 retail areas including under slab insulation works.
• High level services rough-in has also continued to Level 2 and level 3 and 4.
• Building A has been formed to level 8
• Building B has been formed to Level 6.
• Building C has been formed to Level 4.
• Building D is currently formed to Level 6.
• Building E is currently formed to Level 10. Level 2 and 3 internal and external framing and façade has commenced.
• High level services rough in works to the club are nearing completion on Level 1.
See the latest drone photos below.
CEO - Dino Mezzatesta
What a great season it was for our Sharks and although their Finals campaign finished earlier than they would have liked, everyone is already looking forward and towards another big year in 2023. The atmosphere in the Club for Sharks games was electric and while we wait for March and the kick off to the new season, there will be plenty more Sport shown live and loud throughout the Club and on the big screens during the summer months.
We are pleased to announce The Cove Bar and Grill have just launched their new Spring Menu, which includes the old favourites plus a range of delicious new dishes featuring the freshest seasonal produce. The new BBQ Squid and Moroccan Chicken dishes are already proving to be very popular with Members.
Added to that, the Members’ Specials for October and November share a Mexican twist, with the sassy Sangria Carafe sure to be a winner coming into Spring, pairing up perfectly with our amazing Pulled Beef Nacho pizza.
Congratulations go to our team at Cove Bar & Grill who were once again named as finalists in the Restaurant & Catering Association 2022 Awards for Excellence. It was a fantastic achievement to be named in the top 5 as a finalist for ‘Best restaurant in a Pub or Club’.
The festive season isn’t far away and we are already gearing up. Our Mega Christmas Raffles are always well received by our Members, and with over $17,000 in prizes to be won across our respective Ham, Seafood and Toy raffles, this year is sure to be as popular as in years gone by.
We are also kicking off a special two-course Christmas lunch on Mondays and Tuesdays in the weeks leading up to Christmas, with bookings essential. See the advertisement in this What’s on Guide for full details.
And why not Join us for Christmas Day for Lunch, so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the occasion with family and friends. Our Christmas Lunch sells fast, so don’t delay and make your booking today.
Thanks again to all our members and their guests for your continued support of Sharks at Kareela.
Thank you once again to our 2022 Members for your support and attendance throughout the year. It was pleasing to see many of you at the NRL Fan Fest in Martin Place earlier this week.
We are now only weeks away from launching our 2023 Membership program so please ensure you have all current personal details updated in your membership account – go to https://sharks.memberlink.net.au/memberhome to ensure details are correct.
It is also important for all members to have their current payment details updated. If you have received a new credit card since renewing your Membership last year, please CLICK HERE to update your details.
All 2022 Members will automatically receive notification regarding the Membership launch dates for 2023. If you are not a member this year, go to the following link – CLICK HERE - to register your interest and to receive access to an exclusive pre-sale window.
In addition to offering members the opportunity to create their own personalised benefit pack in 2023, we are proud to announce that the Members Jersey will be making a return! Keep an eye on member emails for voting on the design, then ensure you join or renew by the cut-off date to have your name featured.
And if you know someone who isn’t currently a member, now is a great time to convince them to join the Black, White & Blue in 2023. We had six sell-outs at PointsBet Stadium in 2022, with becoming a member the only way to guarantee access to home games next season.
A reminder of provisional dates for Members add to the diary are:
• October 17: 2023 Membership auto-renew window opens
• October 31: 2023 Membership Renewals on sale and auto-renew memberships processed
• November 11: 2023 Membership Renewal same seat deadline
• Late November: Mber+ store open to design your own personalised 2023 Sharks Member pack
While the players now take a well-earned break, Sharks Have Heart will now focus our efforts on planning and building our community engagement further into 2023, with much to be proud of this year and a lot to look forward to next season.
However, before we bring down the curtain on 2022, we had the opportunity to celebrate Nicho Hynes being included as one of the top four candidates for the prestigious Ken Stephens Medal, as announced at the Dally M’s last Wednesday night. Nicho, who was a part of the top four as a result of our submission and the community work carried out in 2022, also won the Fan Favourite vote, and was awarded $4,500 for his junior club, the Umina Bunnies. Thanks to all those who voted and congratulations to Nicho for being a finalist for the prestigious medal.
The winner of the Ken Stephen Medal was announced at the Grand Final, however after Ronaldo Mulitalo took out the award last year, added to Nicho being named in the top four and it solidifies our place as a club leading the way in community engagement and involvement.
Also during September, the NRL’s Roads to Glory initiative took place, and we thank former Shark Bryan Norrie for taking on the role as Sharks ambassador. CLICK HERE to read more about Roads to Glory and Bryan’s involvement.
While places are filling fast for the upcoming holiday clinics, which will involve an exciting new initiative with Sharks Touch. To sign up or for more information, CLICK HERE
With the end of the 2022 season, after a short break we will soon turn our attention to 2023 and to our hospitality partner and player sponsor renewals. Rest assured that as an existing partner, you will be given the first opportunity to renew for 2023 and we will reach out directly in the weeks ahead to discuss in further detail.
As for those keen to partner with the Sharks as an apparel sponsor, we have one position available on the 2023 NRL playing kit, that being the right hand back of the shorts. We also have limited positions on the NRLW kit for what will be their first season in the elite level competition. With considerable interest being shown, please contact our commercial department to discuss the opportunities available, as it will be first in best dressed!
In relation to our major partners, in reinforcing our recent announcements, we would like to again thank Aramex, Zambrero, Madimack and Pilot, with all re-signing for the 2023 season. We had a little fun in creating a video around the announcements. If you missed it, CLICK HERE.
We thank all of the above, as well as Ace Gutters, PointsBet and Lloyds who continue as major partners, for showing faith in the Sharks and what we represent. As mentioned, we have just one apparel sponsorship property available for next season, meaning we can look forward to 2023 merchandise being on sale for Christmas and ahead of the new season, and with all of our teams geared up and ready to go again well in advance of the proposed March kick off to next year.
While not the result we wanted on the field, September sales remained strong as the hype and excitement grew around our participation in the NRL Finals. Thanks to all those members and fans who in purchasing club merchandise showed their support and proudly displayed the Sharks colours.
With the season winding down, Sharks Store at Sharks at Kareela trading hours will revert to Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 2pm. The store will remain open on Saturdays, however moving forward whether that continues will be assessed based on demand.
For those yet to take advantage, our End of Season Clearance Sale is on now, with 20 to 40% off all 2022 Dynasty Stock. Discounts also apply on other supporter ranges.
And in celebrating his Dally M Medal success, a limited-edition Nicho Hynes memorabilia piece is now available. Only 200 items are available.
We have a new online store in the works with a proposed launch date of late October, however between now and then the current online store is still operational in servicing all your Sharks merchandising needs. CLICK HERE for Sharks Store online.
While finishing second on the ladder was an outstanding achievement, the coach, players and football department are all still coming to terms with the disappointing end to what was otherwise a great season.
However, in looking back, there was a lot to be proud of, 18 wins in a season equaled a Club record and there is plenty to build on, with the majority of our squad returning in 2023 and certain to be better for the experience gained this year.
Thanks obviously goes firstly to the players for their commitment, to Craig Fitzgibbon for his efforts in his first season as head coach and to all football department staff for their support of both the players and the coach.
In relation to the staff, farewell to our Sports Scientist John Davey, you have been integral to the success of our football program over a long period of time, while we welcome Jess Adams who returns to the Sharks and will be an outstanding addition to our the NRL high performance program.
On behalf of the players and football staff, we also thank and appreciate the support provided by Club Management, the Board of Directors, the respective departments and all staff for their efforts this season. It is a team game off the field as much as it is on it, and we can’t achieve success without everybody pulling in the same direction.
I will join Dino in wishing Andrew Fifita and Aiden Tolman every success in their future endeavours. Andrew, who played his 250th NRL game in our week one Finals match, and to Aiden who became a 300-game NRL player in 2022, best wishes from all at the Sharks with the next chapter of your lives. To Luke Metcalf and Franklin Pele, we also thank you for your service to the Cronulla club and wish you well with your rugby league careers.
Last week was a big one for the Club with Nicho Hynes named the Dally M Player of the Year. On top of him taking out our Porter-Gallen Medal, it was a great reward for his performances this season. Congratulations also to Nicho on winning the Provan-Summons Medal, Spirit of Sport Award, being named in the Dally M Team of the Year, and on being a finalist for the Ken Stephen Community Medal. It has certainly been a huge first season at the Sharks for Nicho, with all the accolades coming his way very well deserved.
Also, congratulations to Craig on his Dally M Coach of the Year nomination and to Siosifa Talakai and Ronaldo Mulitalo who were nominees for Dally M positional awards.
On the Porter-Gallen Medal presentation night, well done to those who played a part in organising the evening and congratulations to all winners and nominees. For more on the night, including all the award winners, CLICK HERE to see our Sharks website wrap.
We also acknowledged the Jersey Flegg Sharks and their 2022 season. While they finished sixth and missing a place in the finals, they were just one point from the third-placed Panthers who would go on to win the Flegg title. Blake Hosking was named Flegg Player of the Year as well as the team's Player’s Player and we look forward to welcoming him into the NRL training group for the upcoming pre-season.
Thanks to coach George Ndaira, his staff and all players for their commitment throughout the year. Good luck to those moving on, while we look forward to seeing the continued development of those remaining at our Club in 2023.
We also wish George success in 2023 after being named the Newtown Jets head coach for next season, and at the same time thank and congratulate Greg Matterson for his outstanding service, with Greg stepping down as Jets coach following 15 years in charge.
The reserve grade or NSW Cup coaching job is possibly one of the most difficult in the game, with the playing roster each week so dependent on what is happening at the NRL level above, however Greg has always been understanding of the challenges and has been a great support to not only Craig Fitzgibbon, but also to the other Sharks NRL coaches before him.
He won’t be lost to the Jets, or the Sharks for that matter, but we do wish him well for whatever his future brings.
It was fitting Greg was able to steer the Jets to a Minor Premiership in his final season, the first one for the Club since their re-entry in the year 2000 into the NSW Cup competition.
At a junior rep level, the trials have been completed and coaching appointments are currently being finalised, with our pathways staff in Glenn Brailey, Bryce Gentle and Jack Gould looking to build on the success of the Sharks program in 2023.
Our recruitment is also well underway for our Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership team, with a competitive squad shaping up nicely, as we await further instruction from the NRL as to the detail around the 2023 NRLW season, our first in the elite level women’s competition.
A strong performance from our under-17 Lisa Fiaola Cup team in a recent Gala Day on the Central Coast showed there is plenty talent coming through our female pathways. (CLICK HERE for a brief wrap of the recent Lisa Fiaola Cup Gala Day).
Finally with World Cup squads, with some announced and others to be confirmed in the coming days, good luck to all the Sharks boys set to play their part. And to Steve Price (NZ Assistant Coach), Daniel Holdsworth (Samoa Assistant Coach) and Tony Grimaldi (Italy Strength and Conditioning Coach), enjoy your time in the UK, we wish you every success and look forward to seeing you during the preseason on your return.
Thanks to all, including our members and fans for your support in 2022 as we now turn our attention to another successful season in 2023.
