Welcome to the April CEO Update following another busy month both on the field and behind the scenes.
On the football front, April delivered three wins and a narrow loss to the Warriors and now currently second on the NRL ladder the Sharks are moving in a positive direction.
Craig Fitzgibbon, his coaching staff and the playing group will continue to work hard and are focused on the next job which is a trip to Brisbane to face the Dolphins during Magic Round.
In addition to the on-field victories, our Anzac Day game provided us with the opportunity to pay our respects to our servicemen and women past and present, while the Paul Green Medal match with the Cowboys was a fitting tribute to a player who gave so much to the Sharks and as a coach who was instrumental in steering North Queensland to their maiden premiership. Congratulations to Nicho Hynes on being named the inaugural Paul Green Medallist.
Also at the Cowboys game we had the opportunity to host six-year-old Colby Malone and his family. Colby has endued a range of serious health issues, requiring 64 surgeries during his young life and it was great to see him with a big smile on his face at the game, then in the dressing room meeting many of the player's post-match.
Thanks to all who contributed to his special Sharks experience and with ongoing medical treatments and the associated expenses, a gofundme page has been set up to support Colby in his ongoing health battle. CLICK HERE to read more about Colby or to make a donation, with all amounts big or small greatly appreciated.
Our home matches have been extremely well attended and with our next PointsBet game against the Broncos now a month away, again I encourage those who are not yet members to secure a Flexi Membership to guarantee admission. Alternatively, the suggestion would be to purchase tickets early to avoid disappointment.
Our membership count for 2023 is over 14,000 and thanks to those to have committed their support in 2023.
While the Anzac Round game was respectfully presented, from the Anzac March shown on our big screens, to the traditions of two-up that followed, Sharks at Kareela proved to be a popular venue for the day itself and for our members and their guests to enjoy.
Although we are working diligently to have the doors of our new Leagues Club in Woolooware open as soon as is possible, Sharks at Kareela remains an ideal second licenced venue for our members and we look forward to having both clubs operating in tandem from 2024 onwards.
Announced at the recent AGM, with more detail provided in the previous CEO Update, the Club purchased a valuable piece of real estate at 94 Cronulla Street, the old Westpac Building. Plans are for this facility to house our administration staff, in addition to a Sharks merchandise store. Works are well advanced on the Sharks Store, signage has been installed on the exterior of the building and very soon we will have a presence in a high traffic and prominent retail, entertainment and restaurant area of the Sutherland Shire.
Stay tuned to Sharks medic channels and to member emails as to the opening of the Sharks merchandise store.
Certainly, last but not least, it is full steam ahead towards our first season in the NRLW competition. A number of quality players have been signed and announced, with more to come, the NRL has released the draw, with the Sharks to host their season opener as a part of a double header, while Aramex, Minespec Parts and Shore High have committed their sponsorship support, with more corporate partners soon to be confirmed.
Mark down Sunday, July 23 in the diary and don’t miss our first game in the NRLW when we play the Raiders. It will be an historic occasion for the Cronulla Club.
See following reports from the various departments, reporting on all areas and aspects of the business from the past month, while also detailing upcoming projects and initiatives, included amongst them a report from our Woolooware Bay development partners NOVM.
So please take the time to read this month’s CEO Update and thanks for your continued commitment and support.
Dino Mezzatesta
CEO
Woolooware Bay Development – NOVM
Our property development partner NOVM again share Stage 4 activity and progress of the Woolooware Bay development.
Works to the retail centre have progressed, with the fit outs of Woolworths and Dan Murphy’s tenancies making considerable progress. The mall finishes, front of house corridors, amenities and major plant installations, including those of the travelators are underway and will be near complete over the next four to six weeks.
The residential buildings now have façade and finishes works being completed on multiple floors, including Levels 6-10 in Building A, Level 6 in Building B, Levels 4-6 in Building C and Levels 6-9 in Building D.
In addition, Building A Level 14 slab is complete, Building B Level 9 slab is complete, Building C level 8 slab is complete and Building D level 12 slab is complete.
While the Building E façade over PointsBet Stadium is complete, along with the internal finishes being well progressed allowing focus to shift towards completion of the balcony finishes, metalwork and external elements.
See following some of the latest drone images.
With the Sharks NRL team showing strong signs in season 2023, there is no better place to catch all the action Live and Loud than at Sharks at Kareela.
Our $6 VB Schooners and Footy Footlong Hot Dogs have proven very popular, with game days made even better with a big crowd of enthusiastic Sharks fans cheering on the Black, White & Blue! If not going to the game, come down to the Club and enjoy the atmosphere.
Back by popular demand are our Mega Meat and Seafood Raffles. Make sure you mark May 24 in your calendar, when 30 lucky guests will be drawn to win their share of $2,000 in Meat and Seafood trays.
Looking to take mum somewhere special this Mother’s Day? Why not the Cove Bar and Grill, with Gina and her crew offering an outstanding Mother’s Day menu. A complimentary glass of sparkling on arrival for Mum will pair perfectly with the Balmain Bugs Special!
We have already sold out for Lunch, so be sure to get in quick and make a booking for Dinner!
If planning a milestone birthday, corporate event, celebration of life, christening or wedding reception, contact our professional Sharks at Kareela Functions team and let us take care of that next special event. We offer the best value Function and Event Venue hire in the Sutherland Shire, with events held in a contemporary room overlooking the picturesque Kareela golf course.
An early Happy Mother’s Day wish to all our wonderful Mum’s and I look forward to seeing you all around the Club.
As the Club gears up for our first season in the NRLW competition, during April we were able to announce their major partners, with Aramex committing as major front of jersey sponsor, Minespec Parts as top back and Shore Hire on the sternum of the women’s playing strip.
Already valued corporate partners, their increased financial input and support of our NRLW team is certainly appreciated. We are expecting to confirm and announce the other apparel properties have been snapped up and we are thrilled with the substantial commercial interest which has been shown ahead of what is sure to be an exciting season.
To see our Sharks website sponsor announcements CLICK HERE.
In relation to our NRL team, which has performed strongly in recent weeks, their success has increased interest in our Coffs Harbour game against the Knights, which is less than three weeks away. If making the trip north or for local NSW north coast Sharks members and fans looking to attend, don’t delay and purchase your tickets now. CLICK HERE for tickets.
And local businesses looking for brand exposure at the remaining home games through big screen recognition and ground announcements, the Sharks have three individual player sponsorships still available. Now is your chance to be associated with Will Kennedy, in some of the best form of his career, or with the one of the big boys in Royce Hunt and Oregon Kaufusi. Packages start from $5,000, contact [email protected] for more information.
In late April Sharks participated in another player-driven fundraising effort, on this occasion for Stepping Stone House, a charity that supports homeless youth. A Stepping Stone House ambassador for several years, Ronaldo Mulitalo this month lent his support to the Face your Fears campaign. Accompanied by teammate Blayke Brailey, the pair swam with sharks, stingrays and a variety of intimidating marine life at the Sea Life Aquarium Sydney alongside two young adults from Stepping Stone House. The boys set a combined fundraising target of 20k. Please support a worthy cause and donate now – CLICK HERE
Our volunteer program Heart to Heart continues to grow and support the Sharks Have Heart strategic objective of a thriving Sutherland Shire sporting sector. Nine participants from a range of community not-for-profits attended a special grant writing workshop at St George and Sutherland Community College, organised by Sharks Have Heart. The workshop was facilitated by the President of the Sutherland Shire Business Chamber and Founder of Mint Marketing Jeanne Zweck.
Also on the 26th of April, our second Shark Tank event, hosted by media personality Mary K, took place at Pointsbet Stadium. The Shark Tank offered a wonderful opportunity for From the Heart partner Feel the Magic and expert partner Skillz4me to pitch to prospective volunteers. If you’re interested in learning more about volunteering in our community, email [email protected].
Held at Pointsbet Stadium, the Junior Jaws, Mini Mermaids and Mega Jaws were again a huge success, with NRL and NRLW squad members in attendance, while a surprise visit from club mascots Reefy and Wanda also bought smiles to the faces of the attendees. Click here for the gallery of photos from the day – CLICK HERE. Keep an eye out for the dates of the upcoming July School Holiday experiences.
Indigenous All Stars representative and the Shark’s newest NRLW recruit Jada Taylor, is making an impact beyond her impressive on-field performances, promoting the importance of making ‘deadly choices’ in receiving her flu shot last Friday. CLICK HERE to Read more about Jada’s role within Sharks Have Heart.
With no home games scheduled for PointsBet Stadium for the month of May, for those fans who are not members, now is the chance to become a Flexi 3 or Flexi 5 Member. It’s not too late to sign on for the 2023 season and to join us for the rest of the year.
If unable to attend home games in the Shire, become a Sharks Starter Member from just $40, the perfect membership for dedicated and passionate fans to show their support from afar.
As we look forward to travelling to Magic Round and our ‘home away from home’ Coffs Harbour, we can announce a Member meet and greet on Thursday, May 18 at C.EX Club. Set to kick-off from 5:30pm, meet the travelling NRL squad and while there enjoy the range of dining options at the Coffs Coast’s premier licenced venue.
As always, we encourage all members to keep details up to date. Regular communications are sent via email, including important finals and ticketing messaging. So if you are not receiving emails or have changed your email address, please let our membership department know.
Thanks again to all those who have joined us in the Black, White & Blue for 2023.
With the 2023 Classic range having been embraced by members and fans and selling extremely well, merchandise sales in general are considerably up on the previous year.
The Anzac jersey design was well received, with sales exceeding expectation and minimal stock remaining, while additional stock of popular items such as home jerseys, in men’s and kids, as well as media polos and wet weather jackets due in store around mid may. And following the success of the Heritage Jersey we have additional retail stock also arriving in May.
Coming soon and to be launched later this month, will be the Indigenous jersey, this year featuring another striking design, with the Indigenous range extended in 2023 to include a polo shirt and a hoodie.
For NSW north coast fans unable to visit the Sharks Store or get to games where the merch vans on site at Sydney venues, Sharks merchandise will be available in Coffs Harbour. Preparation are in full swing Sharks Merchandise onsite in Coffs Harbour from Wednesday, May 17 in the week leading in the game. Keep an eye on Sharks socials in the coming weeks for what is planned and where Sharks gear will be available.
While planning for the new Sharks Store at 94 Cronulla St is progressing well, with an estimated open date still to be confirmed.
Following a disappointing two-point loss to the Warriors at the start of April, the remainder of the month proved successful, with three wins, added to our bye, now seeing the Sharks sitting in second position on the NRL ladder.
While a long way to go in the 2023 competition, the boys are now starting to reap the rewards of their hard work and we look forward to what the coming weeks and months might bring.
The only negatives during the last month were around injuries suffered by Toby Rudolf and Braden Hamlin Uele. Both boys are undergoing their rehab and are on the road to recovery, however their absence has opened opportunity for others who have shown we have good depth and players who can come in and get the job done while their high-profile teammates are sidelined.
During April we were able to make two important signing announcements, with Nicho Hynes and Will Kennedy extending their time at the Club.
The Dally M Player of the Year in 2022 in his first season at the Sharks, Nicho has continued that form since overcoming an injury that kept him out of the opening rounds and to have him locked in for a further five seasons, through until the end of 2029, is a significant development and something everyone at the Club is very excited about.
Add to that the re-signing of Will, who has certainly responded positively with consistently strong performances, highlighted by a hat trick of tries in the Sharks win over the Bulldogs, and it was a huge month on the player retention front. Will is signed and sealed for 2024 and 2025, we look forward to more of the same from him for the rest of this year and in the seasons ahead.
Now moving into May and the good news on player retention continues, with Royce Hunt extending his time through the 2024 and 2025 seasons. CLICK HERE to see more on Royce’s signing which was just announced today (Wednesday).
While excited to be retaining players of the quality of those mentioned above, it is with some sadness that a week or so ago we farewelled Matt Ikuvalu, who has taken up an opportunity to continue his career with Catalans in the UK Super League. Unfortunately, we probably never saw the best of Matt due to a couple of serious injuries, however he was a popular member of our team and an outstanding clubman, and we wish him well in his future endeavours.
The other player signing news during April related to our NRLW team, with the Sharks securing the services of several quality players.
Local junior, Indigenous All Stars captain and NSW Origin hooker Quincy Dodd was our first signing, closely followed by Jillaroo Emma Tonegato and fellow Australian World Cup representative Holli Wheeler. Exciting youngster Jada Taylor has also joined our squad for our first NRLW season, then announced at our home game last weekend, five more players, all who have come through our development pathways in Andie Robinson, Maddie Studdon, Talei Holmes, Kiana Takairangi and Tegan Dymock, will be members of the Sharks NRLW squad in 2023.
Then today, we announced more NRLW signings as Tony Herman builds a competitive group for the season ahead. Tayla Preston, Ellie Johnston, Cassie Staples and Brooke Anderson, all named to play in the women’s City v Country game this week, have also agreed to become Sharks for our first NRLW season. Quincy Dodd (City) and Jada Taylor will also take part in the City-Country match which doubles as a selection trial for the Women’s Origin series.
Ruan Sims, our Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership Coach and assistant to Tony in the NRLW, is coach of the Country women, with our own Peter Burke one of her trainers.
Also on City v Country representative matches, congratulations and good luck to Kaden Garner, Tom Dellow and Oliver Lester, three young Sharks from our Matthews Cup team who were selected to play for City in the under 16’s. Also best wishes to Sharks Tarsha Gale players Mercydes Metcalf (Country under 19’s) and Mikayla Langer (City under 17’s) who will play in the junior women’s matches. Our Matthews Cup Manager Nathan Redmayne was also rewarded for his hard work in being called in to manage the City under-18’s.
In other football matters, our Matthews Cup under-17 Sharks bowed out in the first round of finals after a year in which they produced some impressive performances and while I made mention in the previous CEO Update, the Harvey Norman Sharks also finished their season three weeks ago. Thanks again to all players and staff from both our male and female junior rep and pathways teams for their efforts during their respective 2023 seasons.
As for those teams now nine rounds in, our Jersey Flegg Sharks have lost two games straight after recording five consecutive wins to kick off the year, with the Newtown Jets sitting in fourth position on the NSW Cup table after what has been an up and down start to their 2023 season.
