Welcome to the CEO Update for October, covering off on a period where management, staff and players have taken an opportunity to refresh before beginning preparations for the 2025 season.
The off-season break has allowed the players to rest up and for some to have minor corrective surgeries, before a return to training during the last week of November.
Similarly for our coaching and football staff, they have also had the chance to get away, reflect on the 2024 season and over the next few weeks will be back on deck putting the building blocks in place in preparation for training over the summer months, then for the season which kicks off for the Sharks in Las Vegas in March.
Away from the players and the football department and for many in our business the period between the end of the season and the players return to training at the end of November, is also the most opportune time to take a break. The Sharks business however never really stops, so we continue to work in the background in supporting our teams on the field, but to also enhance the member experience.
In relation to the NRL, a number of re-signings were announced through our channels over the last couple of weeks, highlighted by the three-year extension signed by Braydon Trindall (CLICK HERE to read more), with the Football Committee, comprising myself, Chairman Steve Mace, Director Dave Nicholson, Coach Craig Fitzgibbon and Football Manager Darren Mooney, continuing to work towards finalising our roster for 2025 and beyond. Darren, NRLW Coach Tony Herman and our Women's Programs Manager Casey Bromilow are also exploring the options and players available in looking to build another competitive NRLW roster as we try to go one better next year.
This time of the year is also about international rugby league and we wish all Sharks players, both our men and women, continued success over the next few weeks.
And good luck to all in our junior reps and pathways teams, with pre-season training kicking off this week.
Further to the big international matches, and please consider Sharks at Kareela as a comfortable and welcoming option to watch a little more football over the next few weeks before the game officially finishes and gives way to the summer sports. All matches, as well as other major sporting events, are live and loud in the club and I encourage members to pay Sharks at Kareela a visit both now and throughout the Christmas and New Year period.
The drinks are cold, unless opting for something warm from our coffee shop, and the food offerings at The Cove Bar and Bistro first class. Be sure to check out the Sharks at Kareela website and the What's On guide for events and exclusive member specials and benefits.
In relation to Football Club Memberships, and our renewal period is currently underway, with a deadline of December 8. So if you haven't secured your seat for 2025 be sure to check your emails and log into the Member portal to avoid disappointment.
Outside of renewals, for those who want to be the first to hear when 2025 Cronulla Sharks Membership packages go on sale, CLICK HERE, fill out your details and you will receive an exclusive 24-hour pre-sale opportunity on Monday, November 18. The general public offering is on the Tuesday.
'Sharks Forever' is our theme, the 2024 season was an exciting one and we would love for you to be a part of the team next year and long into the future.
From a merchandise standpoint, our Sharks Store in the Woolooware Bay Town Centre is open seven days a week and fully stocked, ready to have you kitted out in Sharks colours over the summer, then again for when it all gets underway again in 2025.
Take advantage of the specials currently being offered on 2024 stock.
In the Commercial space, Kylie Lucas and her team are working hard to attract suitable corporate partners for the remaining sponsor properties. Included in the sponsor opportunities available are for the Stadium naming rights, following the changes to the gaming advertising laws which prevent PointsBet from continuing as our stadium partner. Negotiations are ongoing with a number of interested parties, with nothing as yet confirmed or finalised, so any businesses wanting to express an interest, please contact Kylie or a member of our commercial staff.
In Community, Sharks Have Heart are rounding out their year with school visits and keep an eye out for on-sale dates for the school holiday clinics which will take place early in the New Year.
We will be back with an end of year wrap up, however before that please consider the Membership opportunities if you haven't already, consider a piece of Sharks merchandise if looking to purchase that special Christmas gift and utilise the facilities at Sharks at Kareela if after a quiet drink or a good meal.
Thanks again for your interest and support.
Leagues Club update
On the Leagues Club front, in updating members we can report that tenders for the build closed on Thursday, October 31, with the Club now in receipt of builder pricing and methodology. Over the next fortnight the tenders will be reviewed in detail and then the Club can ascertain which of the three builders will be engaged for the build, with a view to enter contracts before Christmas.
Whilst this part of the process is well and truly on track, the other critical path involves the developer providing access to the Club lot, allowing us to commence with the build. We still have some detail to work through, but are hopeful that this is imminent.
The entire process has been painfully long and drawn out however it is also a very complicated agreement and there have been many issues to work through. We thank you for the patience and assure you we are focused on achieving the desired outcomes for you our valued members in getting our Leagues Club built.
Sharks CEO
Dino Mezzatesta
