Welcome to the Christmas-New Year edition of the CEO Update as we report on the most recent happenings and look ahead to what promises to be an exciting 2023.
The NRL, junior representative and women’s team players have all returned to training, while other departments are also hard at work preparing for the New Year and the season ahead.
In this CEO Update some of our upcoming events and initiatives will be detailed by senior management, who will also look back on what was a successful 2022, not only in relation football and to on-field results with our NRL team finishing second on the ladder, but across other areas of the business.
Our commercial/sponsorship department delivered an outstanding outcome, with the majority of our major partners returning in 2023, merchandise sales were exceptional as we now look forward to building further on that success with Classic Sportswear as our new apparel partner, while membership, game attendance and digital media numbers indicated significant increases on recent seasons.
We also firmly believe our Sharks Have Heart team is more than comparable to the best in the NRL in terms of our community engagement and the programs and initiatives we support.
While mentioned below in the Football Report, I join with Darren Mooney in thanking a member of our Board of Directors for his contribution and assistance in providing a Homestay House for our young out-of-town recruits. This is a tremendous asset for the Football department in helping us remain competitive in attracting top level youngsters to our club while offering them a comfortable living environment as they transition to life away from home.
Since the last CEO Update the 2023 NRL Draw has been released and we have certainly marked our calendar with the first game of the season, a match to be played here at PointsBet Stadium against Souths. I am confident the ‘sold out’ sign we be required when we kick off the season, so be sure to secure your Membership to avoid disappointment and to guarantee your entry into the game.
CLICK HERE to see the full Sharks season schedule, including our regional match which is against the Knights in Coffs Harbour in May, and please join us at as many games as possible, either here at home or on the road. The boys love the support a large and enthusiastic crowd provides and I have no doubt it lifts them to perform a higher level.
And again, I encourage all Members and fans to take the opportunity to visit Sharks at Kareela during the summer months and to enjoy the first-class service and facilities offered.
While Sharks at Kareela is certainly open for business, the football office will close from Friday, December 23, reopening Thursday, January 5, however as always, keep an eye on Sharks media channels for any off-season news and member updates and on behalf of everyone involved with the Sharks, from Board, Management and staff, to the players across all teams and grades, wishing you a Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy and safe holiday period to all.
Woolooware Bay Development
The new Sharks Leagues Club and Woolooware Bay Development continues to progress as our development partner Aouyan work towards a mid-2023 completion.
Plans have been finalised for the Sharks Leagues Club, with the internal and external building works expected to commence early in the New Year.
Following is a somewhat detailed technical report from Aouyan and their building partners Parkview as to the progress being made, with the latest drone photos of the precinct, taken less than a week ago.
• High level services to the retail levels are predominantly complete, providing the required provisions to the individual retail tenancies.
• Blockwork is 90% complete to Ground Floor and Level 1 retail areas including under slab insulation works.
• Works to the Commercial levels of Building E and retail carpark levels have also progressed to see commencement up to Level 5.
• Building A level 11 is formed with services, reinforcement, and post tension installation complete.
• Building B Level 7 is formed with services, reinforcement, and post tension installation complete.
• Building C has been formed to Level 6 for both pours. Pour 1 is complete, and pour 2 has services installed
• Reinforcement and post tension installation near complete.
• Building D is currently formed to Level 9 with services, reinforcement, and post tension installation near complete.
• Building E Structure is completed including the plant roof and overruns. Level 2 and 3 internal and external framing and façade is complete with levels 4 - 7 aluminium cladding now underway.
• Club structural steel works are 95% completed.
Dino Mezzatesta
CEO
The festive season is underway and it’s a vibrant time of the year in our Club.
Celebrate Christmas and the New Year with a delicious cocktail from our new menu and we have a couple more of our popular Christmas Raffles still to be conducted. We gave away 50 hams each night on three separate evenings and still to be conducted is a monster Toy raffle on Sunday December 18 and our mega Seafood raffle on Wednesday, December 21, with 50 trays to be won. Make sure to mark the remaining raffle dates in your calendar so you don’t miss out.
During December we have also kicked off a new Thursday night Members promotion. Members can try their luck at winning a share of $2,000 cash in our Christmas Cash Tree Giveaway by simply swiping their card at the Member’s Kiosk each day to receive an entry. Winners then need to be at the draws from 7pm on Thursdays for a chance to win.
The best value Function and Event venue hire in the Sutherland Shire is ready and available to take your booking, with the offerings at Sharks at Kareela featuring contemporary rooms overlooking the beautiful golf course. Sharks at Kareela specialise in wedding receptions, corporate events, christenings, milestone birthdays and Christmas parties. Contact the experienced events team via email [email protected] or call 02 9521 5555 and they can help you create a memorable event.
As for food and beverage offerings, take advantage of our December and January Members specials, featuring a range of parmi toppers to make the classic chicken schnitzel even more mouth-watering! And maybe pair a parmi topper with a beverage and unwind with a cold 4 Pines Pacific Ale or the Elderflower gin spritz cocktail specials.
With the improved weather in recent weeks there are plenty of golfers out on the course. Twilight golf is just $20 for 18 holes, with now the perfect time for a casual round with friends.
On behalf of my team at Sharks at Kareela I wish all our Members a very Merry Christmas and a happy, safe and prosperous New Year.
Heading into the Christmas-New Year period the Commercial department has held planning meetings or remained in regular communication with all of our major partners as we continue to develop and enhance our relationships.
In new business being negotiated, we have been in discussions with a number of respected brands and businesses in relation to our available commercial assets, including that of Community Partner, the remaining back of NRL shorts apparel properties and in relation to signage and other minor partnerships. All discussions have been positive and we are confident of attracting the right partners, those who align with our Club’s culture and values.
In other commercial business conducted in recent weeks, a Player Sponsor event was held at X Golf Taren Point where an enjoyable evening was had by all. Players engaged and connected with our sponsors in a fun and friendly environment.
Recently we were also able to confirm the retention of our Junior Rep and Academy sponsors for the 2023 season. We were proud to announce that John Ryan Freight Management, SBA Attachments, Minespec Parts and Shore Hire return as apparel partners.
When coupled with the news Ruan Sims will be Assistant NRLW coach to Tony Herman, while taking on the head coaching role with the NSW Women’s Premiership team and there is plenty of excitement and anticipation around our junior rep and women’s programs.
CLICK HERE for more on the Junior Rep sponsor announcement.
With the NRL still finalising details for the NRLW competition in 2023, we look forward to making some exciting announcements as to our team partnerships for what will be our first season in the NRLW.
In the area of game day hospitality, sales and renewals have exceeded our expectations, with most options either sold or selling fast. We are also in the process of finalising the logistics relating to the marquee which last season was located in the north-western corner of PointsBet Stadium, with an emphasis on improving the viewing, overall customer service and the game day experience for all guests.
And finally with the release of the 2023 NRL draw, planning is well and truly underway in regard to our regional home game in Coffs Harbour. Scheduled for Saturday, May 20, with the Sharks to play the Knights, we are excited to once again have the opportunity to showcase our Club and NRL team to fans on the NSW north coast.
A quiet time for on-field rugby league activity following the conclusion of the World Cup has been a busy period for Sharks Have Heart with initiatives launched and plenty in the works for early in the new year.
In late November the Sharks Deadly Choices Program was recognised as a finalist in the 2022 Central Eastern Sydney Primary Health Awards, the Sharks Have Heart program acknowledged alongside other worthy initiatives creating social impact across several health issues. (CLICK HERE to read more).
Following on from that, a Sharks donation was put to extremely good use by the students at St Gregory’s College Campbelltown, with the beneficiary a remote Northern Territory community some 80 kilometres from Alice Springs (CLICK HERE to read the Sharks website article).
More recently, just last week Sharks Have Heart issued an invitation to interested community minded individuals to listen, learn and become involved in our Heart to Heart volunteers program. To be held at Sharks at Kareela on January 23, the Heart to Heart program aims to rebuild and reinforce a flourishing network of volunteers to participate in flexible and dynamic roles, with the idea that together we can contribute to an inclusive, connected community and a thriving sport sector in the Sutherland Shire.
To read more or to register your interest in attending the first Shark Tank event, CLICK HERE.
While for the youngsters, come and join us for a holiday clinic with a difference as the Sharks partner up with the Cronulla Surf Academy in offering the Junior Jaws Beach Clinic.
To be held on January 18 at North Cronulla Beach, the Junior Jaws Beach School Holiday clinic will provide an enjoyable day with participants not only taking part in rugby league skills, drills and activities, but also having the opportunity to learn the basics of surfing and ocean safety.
The Junior Jaws Beach Clinic, as well as the Mini Mermaids Dance clinic to run on the same day, are sure to be popular, so register now to avoid disappointment. CLICK HERE to read more or CLICK HERE to go to the registration page.
Finally in the last Sharks Have Heart report for 2022, before we all go on a well-earned break a reminder that From the Heart applications close on December 22 for those interested charities and non-profit organisations. CLICK HERE to read more and submit your application today.
Thank you to all Members who have joined us in the Black, White & Blue in 2023.
We have now surpassed 10,000 Members and reserved seats for the season are selling fast. CLICK HERE to secure any remaining seats that may be still available.
Those who have already joined or renewed for 2023 should have received information regarding how they can design their own member pack through the Mber+ portal. Those to have not received this information, please contact the Sharks Membership team by emailing [email protected] who can offer assistance and resend the information.
Details are being finalised and we are close to announcing a spectacular Member’s 2023 Launch Party in January. Please keep an eye out for further information and a ‘save the date’. We can’t wait to see all our Members in attendance for our first 2023 event.
Sharks fans yet to join us in the Black, White and Blue for 2023 are reminded that seated or GA Memberships guarantee your spot in the stands or on the hill and alongside your mates for every PointsBet Stadium game from only $220. Or consider joining the family, with packages from just $335.
With multiple sell-outs in 2022 and prospect of more to come in 2023, becoming a Member is your only way to guarantee access to home games next season.
Thanks again to all who have become Members for the 2023 season. We truly value your support both on and off the field.
Have a very Merry Christmas and holiday and we look forward to seeing you in the New Year.
Following last month’s announcement of Classic Sportswear as the Sharks official apparel partner for the next four seasons, the new 2023 Classic range was launched for pre-sale at the end of November via our new online store.
All 2023 members should have a received communications via email as to how to login and get access to their Members discount, which can be used to pre-order 2023 stock or for the purchase of any or all Sharks merchandise from the previous range. Please contact the Sharks Store if experiencing any issues accessing the Members discount.
In relation to pre-orders, all are due to ship last week of December and while unfortunately we cannot guarantee Christmas delivery, our priority is to get all pre-orders out before the new range hits the shop.
In case you missed it, last week the 2023 Members Jersey was revealed and pre-orders made available.
A traditional jersey design featuring the black, white and blue of the Sharks, a black top half with traditional stripes/hoops across the chest, flowing into an all-sky blue bottom half, the Members Jersey showcases the names of 2023 Members (7500 members signed on prior to December 1) printed on and incorporated into the jersey design.
The Sharks NRL team will wear the Members jersey in Round 21 of the 2023 season when they tackle the Manly Sea Eagles during the NRL’s Members Round.
The 2023 Sharks Members Jersey is on presale now for $160, a specially discounted members’ price. Go to the Sharks Store Online to order or to find out more – CLICK HERE
As for the Sharks Shop at Sharks at Kareela, trading hours will be extended to Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 4pm, for the last week before Christmas, with the store to then close following Christmas Eve trading, reopening on January 3.
After a well-earned break following the 2022 season the majority of our NRL players are back at training, with only the World Cup boys on their mandatory break and yet to return.
We have had a large group at NRL training with our top 30, development lists players and those on training contracts, all going through the pre-season together as our focus shifts to the New Year and the 2023 season. We have 28 contracted of our top 30, along with our four development list players, while some of our training contract players will return to their respective teams prior to and just after the Christmas holiday period, before our trial matches in February which will be upon us very quickly.
Our NRL trials have been scheduled for Friday, February 10 against the Newcastle Knights, that match to be played on the Central Coast, with our second trial against the Bulldogs at Belmore Sports Ground on Sunday, February 19.
Recently a group of five of our young squad members attended the NRL Rookie Camp (CLICK HERE to read more) where the next generation of rugby league stars from across 17 clubs came together to learn about life as a professional rugby league player.
On the signing front, we recently announced Siosifa Talakai extended his contract with the Sharks through until the end of the 2026 season, while recently we were also able to secure the services of talented young playmaker Niwhai Puru, who joins us from the Panthers on a two-year deal.
CLICK HERE to see more on the Sifa announcement and CLICK HERE for the website article relating to our signing of Niwhai.
Oregon Kaufusi, a member of the Samoan team which played Australia in the World Cup Final, will be welcomed to our Club when he returns to training in the New Year.
From an NRL staffing perspective, Jackson Selby has been promoted to the role of Head Physiotherapist, with Michael Nicolas, previously with the Jets, his assistant. The highly respected Tim McGrath will consult to and mentor our two physios, while Jessica Adams returns to the Club and has been appointed NRL Sports Science and Innovation Manager.
Since the last CEO Update we have appointed former Sharks First Grade player Andrew Dallalana as our under-21 Jersey Flegg Head Coach, replacing George Ndaira who as previously mentioned is moving on to coach the Newtown Jets.
Brad Kelly and Dave Howlett return to coach Matthews Cup and SG Ball and Neil Stanley, comes to the Sharks from the Wests Tigers to coach our Tarsha Gale team. The pathways competitions begin on February 4.
We have appointed Daniel Miladinski as our Elite Pathways and Physical Performance Manager to oversee the development of all players in our junior representative and academy system.
And congratulations to Alex Challenor and Lewis Sargent-Wilson from our Matthews Cup squad for their inclusion in the Junior Sky Blues camp, along with Olivia Herman and Stephanie Faulkner who took part in the Women’s Junior Sky Blues Academy and Charlotte Boyle the Women’s Junior Sky Blues Camp. These camps brought together the best young players from around NSW for a series of skills, drills and cultural education sessions headed up by NSW Origin coach Brad Fittler.
In relation to our Women’s teams, we look forward with anticipation to our first season in the NRLW competition, under the guidance of Head Coach Tony Herman. Having previously coached the Sharks Women’s Premiership side, the Sharks to a NSW Cup title, and various junior representative teams over a number of years, Tony is well credentialed to lead the women in their inaugural season. We are also excited to announce the appointment of Ruan Sims as an Assistant to Tony, while she will also take on the responsibilities as Head Coach of our Women’s Premiership side. Ruan is a legend of the women’s game and we have no doubt she will be a huge success in transferring her knowledge and experience to the coaching sphere.
Another significant appointment is that of Casey Bromilow as our NRLW & Female Pathway Manager, with his role to oversee our entire women’s program. Casey comes to us from the Knights with previous experience in the coaching and in the administration of Women’s rugby league.
We now await the finalisation of the CBA and NRLW schedule before we can follow through on our planning and begin to assemble a squad for the 2023 season.
While on behalf of our pathways and development team, as well as the young players currently occupying the house, I’ll take this opportunity to thank a member of our Board of Directors for his very generous contribution in providing a Homestay House which will greatly assist our young out-of-area recruits transition to life in Sydney.
With live-in dedicated houseparents/carers in Renee and Kent Tatana, this ‘Shark House’ can only assist the development of these young men while giving them the best possible chance to reach their goals. The house also allows us to be competitive in the area of recruitment and enhances our ability to attract and then properly nurture these talented young footballers.
A special thanks also to Pathway Wellbeing & Education Coordinator Morgan Te Oka for her tireless efforts in helping to bring the Shark House together.
Finally, thanks to all involved in the Nathan Stapleton fundraising golf day held recently at Kareela Golf Course and later in the Sharks at Kareela clubhouse. Nathan, his wife Kate, new baby Angus and a large contingent of former teammates were in attendance, with in excess of $30,000 raised to support his recovery and rehabilitation from the life-changing spinal injury he suffered early in the year.
It will be only a short break for the NRL squad, with the boys back on deck, January 5, however between now and then, on behalf of the Sharks playing group and our NRL staff, we offer our best wishes for a happy, healthy and safe Christmas and New Year period.
