CEO Update - September 2024

Author: Sharks Media
Timestamp: Fri 11 Oct 2024, 09:47 AM

Welcome to the CEO Update following the completion of the 2024 season.

With four teams going deep into finals, three contesting Grand Finals and the NRL team winning their way through to a preliminary final, it was an exciting period for the club.

Now with the season having come to an end this update will include some of the highlights of an eventful and successful year from all areas of the business.

We also highlight some off-season initiatives and what to look forward to for the remainder of the year and into 2025.

Firstly, let me acknowledge the work of our football department, the players, coaches and support staff for their efforts throughout 2024. We hope you can now enjoy a well-earned break.

The NRL group overcame plenty of adversity along the way, before beating the Cowboys in week two of the finals then bowing out in the prelim to eventual premiers the Panthers. Congratulations to Craig Fitzgibbon, Steve Price, Josh Hannay, Daniel Holdsworth and all concerned and we look towards 2025 with plenty of optimism.

Everybody will join with me in also congratulating our NRLW team despite the disappointment of the Grand Final loss to the Roosters. Tony Herman and his team showed the determination and resilience we had become used to in fighting back from a 24-0 deficit to almost claim a spectacular victory. The club is certainly proud of the efforts of our NRLW squad, and as with their NRL counterparts, we certainly look forward with positivity to what 2025 might bring.

Regarding our partner club the Newtown Jets, congratulations on your NSW Cup Grand Final win, while in a display of the depth of talent we have coming through the ranks, our Jersey Flegg boys came up agonisingly short in their Grand Final. Again, despite not getting the result, well done to Andrew Dallalana, his staff and players who did a remarkable job to win 10 games in a row to reach the competition decider.

Away from the action on the field, thanks from myself and on behalf of the board of directors to our events team and the many staff involved who managed to put together two outstanding events at Doltone House on back-to-back days.

The annual Porter Gallen Medal presentation night, with an attendance in excess of 350, then our 47th staging of the Grand Final luncheon the following day, featuring a turnout of a similar size, were both extremely well received and successful events.

While it will be covered more extensively in the football report, congratulations to Porter Gallen Medal winner Blayke Brailey, to the NRLW Player of the Year Tiana Penitani, and to all award winners from the NRL, NRLW, Jersey Flegg and Harvey Norman Women's Premiership teams.

At the end of every season, we farewell a number of players who are either retiring from the game or moving on in their careers. A couple from our NRL squad in Royce Hunt and Jack Williams move on to the Tigers and Eels, and a handful of players from our NRLW team are taking up opportunities at different clubs. We thank all concerned for their service to the Sharks and wish them well in their future endeavours.

As for Dale Finucane, while his retirement came earlier than expected or planned, Dale has left a wonderful legacy from his time at the Sharks. Thank you to Dale for the contribution you have made to not only our club, but to the NRL and to the game of rugby league in general.

More detail will follow, however we had over 16,500 Members in 2024, which with the capacity issues we continue to face was an excellent result, our merchandise trading figures have surpassed budgets and expectations this year following the opening of our Sharks Store at Woolooware Bay and our sponsorship and commercial operations continue to attract and service a quality group of local and international businesses and organisations.

Thank you to our valued Members, to our corporate partners and to all who purchased Sharks gear or an item of merchandise in proudly showing our colours in 2024.

Our marketing and digital department did a great job communicating our messaging throughout the year, especially during the exciting finals period in recent weeks, with Sharks Have Heart and our community department the best in the business in engaging and supporting charity and community events and initiatives. Also congratulations are in order for Nicho Hynes in being named the Ken Stephen Medallist, the NRL's highest community honour.

Last but not least, thanks to Justin Coulton and his team at Sharks at Kareela for providing a first-class experience for our Members and their guests, not just as a venue for fans not travelling to the big end of season games, but all year round as a welcoming and friendly venue. And thanks to those to have patronised Sharks at Kareela at some point during 2024.

I encourage you to stay tuned to Sharks communication channels for news, information and updates throughout the off-season, including membership offerings for 2025, as well as next season's NRL draw which will be revealed in the coming weeks.

Please take the time to read through this CEO Update to wrap the 2024 NRL and NRLW seasons and thanks again for your continued support.

We hope to see you back on board in 2025.

Cronulla Sharks Leagues Club Update

I note the feedback from some Members that last month's update didn't provide a progress report on the Leagues Club development. This is due to the fact that we were still missing crucial information to be able to accurately update Members. As a result, we decided to leave it until we had some clarity around certain items, which is a work still in progress, but we can update Members with the below.

The activity in and around Woolooware Bay Town Centre continues to build as retailers and residents settle in and locals get used to their new place to shop, dine and gather.

The Sharks Store is reporting strong trade, due in part to the time of the year and the buzz which has been around the NRL and NRLW teams. The extra foot traffic has certainly been a contributor to the increased interest in our retail outlet, which has been great to see.

We've also been closely monitoring visitation at the Golden Bay Chinese Restaurant, with the feedback about the food quality and service extremely encouraging. We encourage Members to take advantage of the 10% discount.

In relation to the development and progress of the Leagues Club, we're pleased to be able to advise that Novm, the Developer, has continued to progress the works they are required to complete prior to handing back to us the Leagues Club premises to enable us to proceed with construction of the new Leagues Club.

We have also finalised our plans for the Leagues Club and have taken steps to ensure we will be able to progress construction of the Leagues Club once Novm, the Developer, has completed the works they are required to do.

As many following this project may know, some of the factors which have combined to considerably delay the construction and completion of the Leagues Club – other than weather, COVID etc – have been partly as a result of the original agreement dating back to 2012.

However, rather than dwell on what has gone before we are looking forward, there is further encouraging news from the retail and residential components of Woolooware Bay, with Woolworths, Aldi, and Dan Murphy's all reporting strong trading performance, while more than 200 apartments across Buildings A, B, D and E have now settled. Building C is to follow shortly.

With over 500 new residents starting to move in, the precinct is set to become an even more vibrant and lively destination, boosting the performance of local shops and restaurants.

Priceline Pharmacy opened its doors in recent weeks, while a new GP clinic, a cardiologist and a butcher are all set to begin operations during October and November. Additionally, fresh food providore Panetta Mercato has also begun their fit-out.

All we need now is a thriving Leagues Club to round out this exciting new community. Rest assured everyone is focussed on delivering what we believe will be the jewel in the crown of the Town Centre precinct and for our community. As stated, this is still a work in progress with the Developer required to complete works prior to handing back to us the Leagues Club premises to enable us to proceed with construction of the new Leagues Club.

Sharks CEO
Dino Mezzatesta

While the footy is done for another season, there's still plenty to enjoy at Sharks at Kareela over the spring and summer months.

Tonight's supercharged Members Badge Draw has hit $5000! Simply be in the club and if your membership number is drawn out, you'll win the huge cash jackpot! There are four chances to win from 8-9pm.

Our new B.B. Max Weekend Sessions kick off this Sunday from 2-5pm. Enjoy live music from Brett Maxworthy and The Bruno – the Shire's most in-demand duo with over 50 years' experience – as they perform timeless hits from the likes of Robbie Williams, Neil Diamond, The Eagles and much more on select Saturday nights and Sunday afternoons. Perfect for a weekend unwind!

With the race that stops a nation just over three weeks away, book now to ensure your place at our popular Melbourne Cup luncheon (Tuesday, November 5). Hurry before it sells out.

Join us on Thursday evenings for your chance to win a trip with the Sharks to Vegas in 2025! Ten winners each draw night (7-9pm) will receive a Golden Ticket entry into the Major Draw and spin the Vegas Roulette wheel to reveal their instant cash prizes of up to $1,000.

Sharks at Kareela love supporting our local community. Currently, we're supporting One Meal, which provides delicious and nutritious hot dinners to those in need across the Sutherland Shire.

Patrons not only receive meals, but also breakfast packs and essential items like blankets and toiletries. If you'd like to assist this wonderful cause, we're encouraging Members to contribute non-perishable breakfast items and sanitary supplies.

These items will be used to create care packs for distribution at the community meal location. Every contribution, no matter how small, helps uplift those in need. Throughout October and November, you can drop off your contributions to the collection bin located at Sharks at Kareela.

The 2024 season has been a big success on and off the field. Congratulations to all our teams, especially NRLW for playing in their first Grand Final, NRL for making the prelim final, Jersey Flegg reaching a Grand Final and the Newtown Jets winning the Knock On Effect NSW Cup Grand Final and also coming close in the State Championship. All our sponsors are very proud of the club's success this year.

Without corporate backing from all our valued sponsors, none of this is possible. Please be sure to support those that support us when you can.

Thank you to our Major Partners:

Our attention now moves to the 2025 season, with planning underway for some months now. If you are interested in corporate hospitality for the 2025 season, please send us an email at [email protected] to register your interest.

We are currently renewing all current corporate suite holders and already have an extensive waitlist for private suites. Our corporate marquee function will continue next season, providing a fantastic cocktail function, reserved tables and optimum viewing of the game.

There are several sponsorship and signage opportunities available for the 2025 season across various assets and budgets. Several solid conversations are taking place for a new stadium naming rights partner. The lower back of the NRL jersey and front of shorts are available along with top back of the junior rep jersey which provides great value across all six Academy teams.

Please don't hesitate to contact me if you would like more information at [email protected].

Thank you, and enjoy the off-season.

Thank you to all our Sharks Members who turned out in force at Accor Stadium to cheer on our mighty black, white and blue in the NRLW Grand Final as well as our special Members' open training session event.

Despite a second-half fightback for the ages, our courageous Sharks NRLW team fell just four agonising points short of bringing home the trophy. Your support all year has been very much appreciated and the photo content you have submitted through the Sharks Finals Fever Fan Hub has been fantastic.

I am pleased to confirm all home NRLW matches will once again be included in full-season memberships for 2025. There is no better family-friendly game day entertainment than cheering on your NRLW Sharkies!

At the Porter Gallen Medal awards night, it was an honour to present Member Player of the Year awards on your behalf to Dan Atkinson and Tiana Penitani. Thank you to all our Members who participated in voting each week. Keep an eye for more contests and Player of the Match voting in 2025.

The 2025 NRL draw is expected to be announced in the coming weeks, with further information regarding Member events and opportunities to be released as soon as possible after our fixtures are confirmed. Keep an eye on sharks.com.au/membership and your Member email for more details.

A reminder that 2025 Memberships will go on sale to the general public from Tuesday, November 14. Whether you wish to support from afar, attend a few games or every match, we have a Membership option to suit you.

All 2025 Members will again receive an exclusive discount code for Quest Apartment Hotel locations around Australia, making it simple to plan a holiday or a trip to watch the Sharks play at home or away next season.

Information will be provided with your Member pack as well as being communicated via email, so please ensure your details are up to date. You can log on to the Membership portal to update your personal information at any time. Otherwise, contact us by emailing [email protected].

FINALS FEVER well and truly consumed the Sharks over the past four weeks, propelling our Marketing, Brand & Digital team into "finals obsession" overdrive. Here are just some of the highlights:

Our overarching Finals Series campaign "Together, We Hunt" focused on the 'hunt' for the premiership across both the NRL & NRLW, capturing the essence of unity, strength, and our relentless pursuit for the trophy!
Our "Sharks Finals Fever" campaign platform successfully flexed to our teams' week by week on-field finals performances, engaging hundreds of thousands of fans as we progressed deeper into the finals.
"One Club. Four Teams. Four Finals Dreams" campaign celebrated the historic finals berths of four Sharks grades, including our NRL prelim final and NRLW Grand Final appearances.
Our "Sydney's Shark Tank" campaign actively called all Sharks fans to show their passion and help turn Allianz and Accor Stadiums into Sydney's black, white and blue Shark Tank.
Together with the NRL we launched the G-Train, had Sharks legends lead the "Sharks Shiver" into stadiums, and promoted and starred in the NRL's Grand Final week Fan Fest in Circular Quay.
Our "Sharks Finals Fever Fan Hub" encouraged fans to show their true colours via messages of support and dressing their homes, offices, schools, and shops. This received overwhelming support from fans all over the country and around the world – there were kids dancing, pets in Sharks merchandise (even a buffalo in Thailand!), new-born babies, family tributes, singing duos, and special UPUPCronulla video messages from passionate Sharks fans young and old.
We delivered an unprecedented volume of Member and fan communications, including "How To Cheer Your Sharks To Victory" fan guides, social media posts and custom video content.
Sharks at Kareela came alive weekly as our "Finals Fever Live Site", Channel 7 filmed Sharks fans in the Sharks Store at Bay Central, famous Aussie faces jumped on board with video messages of support, and we got to share on our socials US sensation The Kid Laroi making a surprise post-game appearance in Sharks NRLW sheds to congratulate our girls after their inspirational second-half comeback in last Sunday's NRLW Grand Final.

We sincerely thank all our Sharks Members and fans for their support and being part of this historic NRL and NRLW finals series. We can't wait to do it all again in season '25!

#UPUP

A great season for all our teams on the field was mirrored by a huge year off it with our Sharks Have Heart programs and initiatives.

Our players have made a tremendous impact in our community, with our NRL and NRLW squads contributing over 400 hours across a range of programs and events. With the support of our players we have engaged with over 20,000 people and helped raise over $150,000 for charity and community organisations.

A huge thank you to all our players who have generously shared their time to make an impact in the community and for being wonderful ambassadors for our club. This culminated in Nicho Hynes being awarded the Ken Stephen Medal as the NRL Community Player of the Year – read more HERE.

This was a terrific personal achievement for Nicho as well as the highest level of recognition for the engagement the club performs in the local and broader community.

The Sharks Have Heart team deserve a huge amount of credit for all their work in delivering our programs. Our Community Engagement Manager Luke Koutrodimos, Equal Access Program Manager Emma Tonegato, Indigenous Programs Coordinator Jada Taylor, along with our community interns Georgia Saba and Braith Porteous, all work tirelessly and their dedication results in meaningful social change and impact. Read more about the team HERE.

Some highlights for Sharks Have Heart in season 2024 included:

– The inaugural Sharks Mental Fitness Round – using our local derby against St George Illawarra in Round 9 as a platform to bring awareness to mental health and supporting one another in conjunction with Gotcha4Life. Read more HERE.

– The rollout of a range of new programs to provide equal access to rugby league for people with disability. This included our SCORE Sharks team and Mega Waves school programs. Get involved HERE.

– The Deadly Choices Community Day and 2024 Indigenous Round – creating impact in our First Nations community. Read more and get involved HERE.

– Record numbers for our flagship diversity and anti-racism program One Heart – book in your school HERE.

Like our teams on the field, we look forward to taking things even further and breaking through new barriers in season 2025.

You can find out more about our Sharks Have Heart programs and community initiatives HERE.

You can also make a tax-deductible donation through our Sharks Have Heart Foundation and support our club and the community HERE.

A successful year for the club on the field has coincided with Sharks merchandise flying off the shelves.

Across our Sharks Store, online shop and game-day merch outlets, the 2024 season has resulted in our biggest sales numbers to date aside from our premiership-winning 2016 NRL campaign.

The much-anticipated opening of the new Sharks Store at Bay Central Woolooware in July was a particular highlight, with trade booming amid a constant stream of foot traffic over the past few months.

Stay tuned for details on our end-of-season sale to pick up some new Sharks threads as we head into the summer months.

The 2025 Classic supporter range, featuring training kit, a new away jersey design and off-field items including polos, is expected to be available in store and online in mid-late November along with other supporter apparel collections.

We will continue to trade seven days a week at the Sharks Store throughout the off-season. Pay us a visit and stock up as we await footy's return!

As the dust settles on another season, there's much to celebrate across all grades.

To recap, our NRLW girls lost 32-28 in the Grand Final against the Roosters last week, almost pulling off a historic comeback from 24-0 down to claim the title in just their second season. Congratulations to the playing squad, Head Coach Tony Herman, NRLW & Female Pathway Manager Casey Bromilow and all the hard-working staff on an outstanding year – you've done the club proud.

The Newtown Jets, our men's feeder team, won the Knock On Effect NSW Cup in an epic decider against fellow foundation club the North Sydney Bears. Captained by Billy Burns – who was named in the NSW Cup Team of the Year along with Jayden Berrell – the Newtown line-up featured a host of Sharks-contracted players.

While they were defeated at the death in the NRL State Championship by Queensland Cup champions the Norths Devils, it was an outstanding achievement to have the Jets and our NRLW side in action on the biggest day on the rugby league calendar. Well done to Head Coach George Ndaira and everyone involved at the Newtown club who work so hard to ensure our long-standing partnership continues to go from strength to strength.

The depth of talent coming through our junior pathways was highlighted by our Jersey Flegg under-21 team winning 10 consecutive games on their way to the Grand Final, where they fell agonisingly short against the Bulldogs.

To come so close to the Flegg premiership after needing to win seven matches in a row just to qualify for the playoffs was a phenomenal feat. Congratulations to Head Coach Andrew Dallalana, Male Pathway & Junior Recruitment Manager Glenn Brailey and our entire pathways staff and players – the future is extremely bright.

The Harvey Norman Women's NSW Premiership Sharks wrapped up their season with a bang, recording convincing wins over the Roosters and Manly to finish seventh.

There were plenty of green shoots for the team, coached by the experienced Rob Capizzi, and we look forward to seeing their progression.

While we were ultimately disappointed to bow out in an NRL preliminary final against the Panthers, who went on to win a fourth consecutive premiership, 2024 marked another step forward for our men under the guidance of Head Coach Craig Fitzgibbon.

Despite having to navigate several challenges including the premature retirement of fearless leader Dale Finucane, our NRL side stood tall and remained near the top of the table all year to finish the regular season in fourth place with 16 wins.

A semi-final victory over the Cowboys was the highlight of a commendable season, with a launchpad firmly in place for more success in the years to come. Craig, his coaching staff and the squad are hungry to propel the club to even greater heights.

Rounding out our milestones for the NRL season, congratulations to Toby Rudolf and Nicho Hynes who played their 100th first-grade games during the finals series.

Nicho also accepted the prestigious Ken Stephen Medal at the Dally M Awards in recognition of his extensive community work.

Aside from Sione Katoa, who has excitingly been selected to play for Tonga in the Pacific Championships kicking off this month, our NRL squad are now on their mandatory break. Unfortunately, Ronaldo Mulitalo (knee), Briton Nikora (ankle) and Kayal Iro (hamstring) were unavailable for New Zealand selection due to injuries, while Oregon Kaufusi's finger operation ruled him out of playing for Samoa.

The first group of players are due to start back at pre-season training in late November. In the meantime, we expect to have retention news soon as we bolster our 2025 depth.

We've bid farewell to two great servants of our club in Jack Williams and Royce Hunt. We thank both men for their commitment over the years and wish them and their young families well as they embark on new chapters in their careers.

On the NRLW front, Tayla Preston, Holli Wheeler, Tegan Dymock, Chloe Saunders, Andie Robinson and Pia Tapsell will be leaving the club. We thank them for their service in helping to blaze a trail for the Sharks in the women's space – especially Tayla, who was part of our inaugural Tarsha Gale junior representative team in 2017 – and wish them all the best.

Pathways staff Russell Aitken (Elite Pathway Coach) and Mina Lawendy (Elite Pathway Physiotherapist) have decided to leave the club to take up other opportunities. We thank them both for their contributions.

We held our annual Porter Gallen Medal presentation night last Thursday, with tough hooker Blayke Brailey crowned the NRL Pontifex Jewellers Player of the Year for the second season running. Tiana Penitani also went back-to-back as our NRLW Player of the Year. Congratulations to all the award winners – CLICK HERE for a full wrap.

It was a huge week for Tiana, who was announced as the NRLW Dally M Captain of the Year and Centre of the Year in recognition of her inspirational performances. A tremendous leader, she is an asset to our club on and off the field.

Annessa Biddle, Quincy Dodd and Ellie Johnston were also recognised with selection in the peer-voted RLPA NRLW Dream Team.

Tiana and Quincy have deservedly been selected in the Jillaroos squad for the Pacific Championships, with Annessa and Brooke Anderson set to represent the Kiwi Ferns. Vanessa Foliaki will captain a Tongan squad featuring Sharks teammates Dymock, Manilita Takapautolo and Filomina Hanisi, while Talei Holmes and Cassie Staples have been chosen for Fiji's match against the Cook Islands.

Junior representative trials for our Lisa Fiaola, Tarsha Gale, Harold Matthews and SG Ball Cup teams were held in September. Squads will be assembled in the coming weeks for summer training ahead of their seasons kicking off early next year.

Young Sharks Nikora Williams, Alex Challenor and Tom Dellow featured in the Australian Schoolboys' tour match against France's under-19 team in Burleigh earlier this week. Alex scored the opening try in the 56-6 win, which served as a tune-up for Sunday's match against the Junior Kumuls in Port Moresby. We wish them luck.

On behalf of the entire football program, we sincerely thank all our Members and fans for the support throughout the 2024 season. It makes a huge difference.

Stay tuned to our website and social media channels for updates over the off-season.