Welcome to the CEO Update following our AGM on Wednesday night and after the opening three rounds of the NRL season.
Thanks to those who were in attendance at Sharks at Kareela for our AGM. We appreciate your support and interest in our club and trust we addressed any concerns you may have had, informed you as to business conducted throughout the 2024 Financial Year and previewed some of what to look forward to in 2025 and beyond.
Obviously, a popular topic for discussion was the status of our Leagues Club at Woolooware. Below will be a more detailed explanation, however I can say we are still very much committed to providing a state-of-the-art Leagues Club for our Members and working towards delivering the finished product as soon as possible.
Also at the AGM, four retired players were honoured with Life Membership of the Cronulla Sutherland Football Club, with their nominations receiving overwhelming support from the full room of Members in attendance. To Tommy Bishop, Mat Rogers, Jason Stevens and Brett Kimmorley I offer our congratulations as you join a select group to have been made Life Members for their outstanding contributions to our club.
On the field and following a spirited loss to the defending premiers in Las Vegas, our NRL team has enjoyed two solid wins and we eagerly anticipate our home game against the Bulldogs on Saturday night. They too have begun the season strongly and it promises to be an exciting contest.
I am pleased to also report our feeder club the Newtown Jets are a perfect three-for-three to start their year, our Jersey Flegg boys have two wins and one loss to their credit and all four of our Junior Representative teams are well and truly in a position to qualify for the finals in their respective competitions with two rounds remaining. Good luck to the SG Ball and Matthews Cup boys and the Tarsha Gale and Lisa Fiaola Cup girls in the run into the finals and for whatever might take place after that.
I touched on it briefly above, however it must be said despite the result the trip to Las Vegas was an overwhelming success. I thank those Sharks Members and fans who made the trip for their vocal and unconditional support. I think everyone will agree it was an outstanding experience, our media coverage both in the US and back home was extensive and positive as we embraced the opportunity to showcase our club and our brand to an international market.
Before we left for the US we celebrated our Hall of Fame event at Sharks Stadium, which was also extremely successful and well-received. Congratulations to our inaugural 11 inductees, it was a well-deserved honour for all concerned.
For those who may have missed it, CLICK HERE to see our Sharks Media reporting from the Hall of Fame night.
In other areas of the business, once again our department heads will offer more detail, however commercially we were recently pleased to welcome two new partners into the Sharks corporate family, with Coinbase, who become the first Official Crypto Partner of the Cronulla Sharks, and solar specialist SipEnergy our newest apparel sponsors. Both brands now feature on the NRL playing shorts. Thanks to the two organisations for your support and for your belief in the Sharks.
Our Sharks Store in the Woolooware Bay Town Centre has continued to trade strongly, with 2025 Sharks gear proving to be very popular, while also in Woolooware Bay the Golden Bay restaurant has been busy of late with its unique Asian cuisine. The Golden Bay is open six days a week, with Sharks Members receiving a 10 per cent discount. CLICK HERE for more information or to make a booking.
The Sharks Have Heart team are out and about in the community, most recently the entire NRL squad attended local schools in support of the NRL School Blitz, while the next School Holiday Clinics are filling fast. Anyone interested in a day of footy fun for their children is encouraged to register now to avoid missing out. CLICK HERE.
As evidenced by the attendance at our first home game last weekend our Membership numbers are extremely healthy and approaching record levels. Again, I thank those who have signed on for 2025 for their support while letting those who haven't know there are Sharks Membership options still available in all categories. Being a ticketed Sharks Member is the only way to guarantee entry to home games at Sharks Stadium.
Finally, a special mention of Sharks at Kareela, which proved to be the ideal place to host those Sharks Members for our Round 1 match who didn't make the trip to Las Vegas. With great service, outstanding food at the award-winning Cove Bar and Grill, cold beverages and the range of special events offered, it continues to present as the ideal second home in the Shire for our Members and their guests.
Thanks again to our corporate partners, Members and fans for your ongoing support. UP UP and I look forward to seeing you at a Sharks game during the 2025 season.
Sharks Leagues Club
Members in attendance at the AGM will have sensed my disappointment as to the progress of discussions between the Sharks and the Woolooware Bay Town Centre developers, and subsequently about the continued delays in the finalising of plans to begin the build and fit out of our Leagues Club.
As also mentioned on the night, while I would like to provide more detail as to what is holding up the process, legally we are bound by a confidentiality clause and at this point in time I cannot elaborate or provide further detail as to the challenges being faced.
I totally understood the frustration being felt by the Members at the AGM and we certainly share in those frustrations, however what I can say is that we are doing everything in our power to advance the process, while protecting our interests at the same time.
Our relationship with the developer is amicable and conversations are continuing every day. Realising an outcome that allows the Club to be built remains the priority for both parties.
As soon as there is something to report, we will immediately update our Members, and like you, we are hoping that will be sooner rather than later.
Sharks CEO
Dino Mezzatesta
As the official home of the Cronulla Sharks, the NRL season began with a bang at Sharks at Kareela with an unforgettable ClubsNSW Vegas Watch Party.
A packed house cheered on the Sharks against the Panthers, with Members enjoying American-style food and beverages, major prize giveaways and special appearances from Dale Finucane and the Minespec Parts Mermaids.
You can catch every game this season live and loud at Sharks at Kareela while savouring game-day specials including spicy buffalo wings and a signature Sharks cocktail.
Our $80,000 Cash Grab promotion is giving Members the chance to
win big, with six winners each draw night playing 'Cash Grab' for a
chance to win up to $500. Swipe your Members card daily for an entry,
with triple entries on draw days, and boost your chances by using
Rewards Points. Winners also earn entries into our Cash Cube Bonus
Draws at the end of each month to win a share of $1,000 cash.
Don't miss our Mega Easter Raffles, with over $4,000 in prizes up for grabs. The Mega Easter Seafood Raffle will feature $2,000 in delicious fresh seafood trays, while our Mega Easter Egg Raffle will have over $2,000 in Cadbury chocolate egg hampers, just in time for Easter celebrations.
Sharks at Kareela is the ideal venue for your next function, whether it be a birthday, wedding or any other special occasion. With capacity for up to 280 guests, our versatile venue can cater for all event sizes and needs at great value.
Call our events experts on (02) 9521 5555 for information on rooms and packages.
I look forward to seeing you around the Club.
We have had a great start to the 2025 season on the commercial side of the business, securing various new partners across several assets.
Shine Hydration has joined as our new Hydration Partner across NRL, NRLW and Academy pathways. Shine Hydration recently launched a low-sugar electrolyte beverage in addition to their range of Nootropic drinks.
Shine is part of the Prince Group, the founder of our long-standing partner Zambrero. We thank and welcome Shine Hydration for the 2025 season. You can order Shine from their website or from selected service stations and supermarkets.
The NRL playing kit is now full with two exciting new shorts partners being announced over the last two weeks.
SipEnergy has come on board on the back-right panel of the shorts. SipEnergy is a clean energy provider specialising in residential and commercial solar. We are thrilled to have them on board and look forward to sharing special Member offers with you over the course of the season.
Coinbase, the club's first Official Crypto Partner, joins on the front of the NRL playing shorts. A leading international cryptocurrency exchange, Coinbase is regarded as the most trusted platform to buy, sell and trade digital assets such as Bitcoin and Ethereum. We are proud to have a leading global brand partner with the Sharks and thank them for their support. We will be sharing more information with Members about the exciting world of cryptocurrency over the season.
PointsBet continues their long-standing partnership with the Sharks with naming rights to the Corporate Marquee. We look forward to hosting our partners and guests within the PointsBet Corporate Marquee and thank PointsBet for their valued ongoing support.
We are actively in market in relation to other available commercial assets, including that of Stadium Naming Rights Partner, NRLW shorts, signage and other minor partnerships. Please don't hesitate to contact me should you wish to discuss any of these opportunities – I can be emailed at klucas@sharks.com.au.
In corporate hospitality we have some availability within the PointsBet Corporate Marquee function for casual game bookings. Some games are getting close to selling out so please don't delay if you are wishing to book corporate hospitality. The Golden Bay Chinese Restaurant also have banquet dining on game day, with our hospitality team able to provide information on this option. Please contact corporate@sharks.com.au to make a booking or for further information.
It was fantastic to see such a big crowd at our first home game of the season and we look forward to welcoming you all again this Saturday when we take on the Canterbury Bulldogs.
Thank you to all Members who have proudly shown their loyalty as "Sharks Forever" and contributed to the electric atmosphere at our sold-out home opener last week. We look forward to another big crowd against the Bulldogs on Saturday.
An extra thank you to two special WA Member families, the Galbraiths and the Yeardleys, who scaled the rooftop of Optus Stadium alongside Dale Finucane earlier this week to help launch the blockbuster Round 6 double-header in Perth, where we take on the Sea Eagles on Saturday, April 12.
Following on from Dino's comments, I'd like to acknowledge all our Members who attended last night's Annual General Meeting. We appreciate your passion, dedication and the service you provide to our club.
We have now surpassed 16,000 Members, however there are still great reserved seats available for the season. CLICK HERE to view those available or take advantage of the General Admission Membership for a whole year's worth of entertainment for the family at an affordable price.
Please make sure you check the Member Benefits link at the top of your regular Member email for updated partner offers. Along with regular offers such as signing up for a free Aramex account, 20% off selected Quest accommodation and 10% off Zambrero, you can find new promotions from our special partner family.
Popular Member benefits also include discounts on merchandise, away game ticketing and additional home match tickets. Further information will be communicated in Member emails.
As we begin planning for 2026, we'd love to hear your feedback. If you have any suggestions for Membership or game day please let us know by emailing members@sharks.com.au.
Thanks again to all who have become Members for the 2025 season. We truly value your support both on and off the field.
It's been an action-packed start to 2025.
Our inaugural Hall Of Fame presentation last month lived up to expectations with an unforgettable and emotion-charged celebration of the legends of our great club. A highlight of the night was the reveal of the club's new Wall Of Fame which now permanently adorns the façade of Sharks Stadium for all to celebrate. The event was widely covered across club digital channels including real-time social media inductee announcements and received positive coverage by print and broadcast media and our attending podcasters.
Our highly anticipated "Sharks in Vegas" campaign was an outstanding success, culminating in a week like no other. Whilst we just fell short of two opening-round competition points, the positive local and international fan engagement, brand elevation, media coverage, celebrations and experiences were unprecedented for our club, team, Members, fans and partners.
Some of our specially planned US initiatives and highlights included Sharks team jersey presentations with LA Kings Hall Of Famer Luc Robitaille and the LA Fire Department, a player meet and greet with NFL star Todd Gurley, a re-enactment of the famous ET-Elle Macpherson photo from 32 years ago, international collaborations with leading US radio show the Morning Mash Up and the Las Vegas Raiderettes, a Sharks fan signing session at the NRL Fan Fest at Fremont St, and a meet and greet with global mega star Katy Perry!
We thank all Sharks Members, fans and partners who travelled with us for this genuinely once-in-lifetime experience, and for those who cheered us on back home, including at our official ClubsNSW NRL Vegas Watch Party at Sharks at Kareela.
Our first home game for season '25 against the Rabbitohs kicked off with a dominant performance by our boys, matched by the new high-energy DJ Jonny and the Minespec Parts Mermaids show under the new directorship of Robyn Parras. Last season our game-day experience surveys revealed live music was among the top atmosphere enhancers Members and fans want to see more of, and we have been inundated with positive feedback from last Saturday.
Stand by for more to come as we continue to take the game-day atmosphere and experience to new levels, including the launch of our new Sharks Live DJ show underneath the big screen in the south-east corner of the stadium.
Sharks at Kareela's Autumn Extravaganza continues to attract strong visitation with Members and guests enjoying an array of experiences including the $80,000 Cash Grab and weekend "Feast and Flow" dining experience. Stand by for a brand-new Club website coming soon and don't forget to enquire about our unique functions and events offerings with our special new "CELEBRATE YOU" campaign.
Last week as part of our "Sharks in Perth" marketing and PR program Dale Finucane attended an Optus Stadium media call promoting the NRL double-header featuring Sharks v Manly on April 12. Three lucky WA-based Sharks Members enjoyed an exclusive Optus Stadium Sky View Deck experience with Dale. We are planning another exciting Member experience and encourage you to book your tickets.
We look forward to seeing you all at Sharks stadium this Saturday. Don't forget if you're not at the stadium to join our Sharks Watch Party at Sharks at Kareela and as always follow us on socials for all the latest club news and content.
#UPUP
The Cronulla Sharks pride themselves on being a community-driven club, and the past few weeks have been a shining example of the engagement and impact of our Sharks Have Heart community programs and social impact initiatives.
Sharks support mental health through World's Biggest Paddle Out
The Sharks proudly supported local legend Blakey Johnston as he broke another world record at Cronulla Beach on Saturday, March 15. Blakey, a passionate advocate for mental health, set forth to gather over 1000 people for the World's Biggest Paddle Out to raise funds for youth mental health organisations One Wave and Find Ya Feet.
The club was an official partner for the event with reigning Ken Stephen Medal winner and Find Ya Feet ambassador Nicho Hynes rallying the community to get behind the second world record that Blakey has accomplished.
Everyone Belongs – Sharks celebrate Harmony Day with Gymea North Public School
A core value for the club is embracing diversity and celebrating inclusion – and this was on full display during recent Harmony Week events.
The Sharks Have Heart team, along with NRL players Niwhai and Hohepa Puru and NRLW stars Jada Taylor and Caitlan Johnston-Green, delivered our flagship One Heart program to students at Gymea North Public School to coincide with school's Harmony Week celebrations.
Our proud community partner Quest Apartment Hotels kindly provided home game tickets for four of the school's 'Harmony Champions' who consistently display the key values of respect, tolerance, and inclusion.
Check out the video HERE.
World Down Syndrome Day
The club threw their support behind World Down Syndrome Day through some heartwarming activities with the NRL team on Friday, March 21.
Members of Down Syndrome NSW and their families were invited to our captain's run session, with all the players happily interacting, signing autographs and taking pictures with the guests and their families.
One of the highlights of the day was lifelong supporter Brett McNamara taking up the role of trainer and jumping in with the coaching staff for the session. Check out the story HERE.
The Sutherland Hospital Golf Day
The club sponsored a hole at the annual Sutherland Hospital Charity Golf Day on Friday, March 21. Former Sharks players Ben Ross, Jeremy Latimore and Josh Morris took part in the event, with the club also donating signed jerseys for the auction hosted by Darryl 'The Big Marn' Brohman.
Sharks Blitz Shire Schools
One of the highlights of the community calendar each year! On Monday, March 24, the full squad of Sharks NRL players made their way out to schools across the Sutherland Shire. From Waterfall through to Cronulla, the players helped deliver the NRL's 'Simply Your Best' program. As well as sharing their advice, they jumped into some footy activities with the excited and eager students.
The event was a terrific collaboration between the Sharks Have Heart team and the NRL, with our very own NRLW superstar and NRL Game Development Officer Quincy Dodd leading this year's School Blitz.
CLICK HERE to read more.
Upcoming Events
Mega Jaws – All Abilities and Cheer Clinic – April 15
The Cronulla Sharks are hosting a FREE rugby league and Mermaid cheerleading clinic on Tuesday, April 15 for participants with disability.
CLICK HERE to register.
Junior Jaws and Mini Mermaids – School Holiday Clinics – April 24
We have you covered for a fun and active school holiday activity with our Junior Jaws and Mini Mermaids clinics back at Sharks Stadium on Thursday, April 24.
For more information and to secure your spot, CLICK HERE.
CLICK HERE to find out more about our community programs and to get involved. You can also support our work in the community by making a tax-deductible donation to our Sharks Have Heart Foundation HERE.
Our first home game of the season last weekend saw record-breaking game-day merchandise sales – the biggest in the club's history across the stadium and Sharks Store at Woolooware Bay! Thanks to everyone who stopped by to pick up the latest and greatest Sharks gear.
Merchandise will be available at our next two away games in Canberra (Round 5) and Newcastle (Round 7), with the merch van making the trip to both locations.
Perth supporters will also be able to get their hands on fresh Sharks merch when the team head west to face the Sea Eagles at Optus Stadium in Round 6.
Due to high demand, additional Media and Players polos are expected to be restocked this week along with more training shorts.
NFL replica collectable helmets are due to be sent out by the end of the month after a slight delay, while our Hall of Fame memorabilia piece is now available to be taken home upon purchase in store.
Stay tuned for an exciting new supporter range being launched in the coming weeks.
CLICK HERE to shop online and check out the newest Sharks merch.
It's been a solid start to the season for our NRL team, with a 2-1 record heading into Saturday night's massive game against the Bulldogs at Sharks Stadium.
While it was disappointing not to come away from our season-opening match in Las Vegas with two points, the team performed well against reigning premiers Penrith and gained a lot from playing in a foreign environment. The reception from the passionate fans who travelled to Vegas provided an unforgettable experience.
From there we went to Townsville, with the players overcoming an illness outbreak and the energy-sapping humidity to record a convincing win over the Cowboys.
After so much travel, the players were itching to return home last weekend and play in front of a sell-out crowd, posting a great victory against the Rabbitohs.
Everyone is looking forward to feeling the local support again in Round 4.
We've continued to be active on the NRL retention front, recently announcing the long-term extensions of Ronaldo Mulitalo, Oregon Kaufusi and Tom Hazelton.
NRLW coach Tony Herman and female pathways manager Casey Bromilow have pulled off several huge signings in the women's space, adding New Zealand international Tyla King, former Titans young gun Chantay Kiria-Ratu and promising ex-Knights prop Jacinta Carter to an already impressive roster.
After taking up an option to remain at the club for 2025 in January, consistent second-rower Rhiannon Byers has also recommitted until the end of 2027.
Back on Vegas, Sharks stars Tiana Penitani and Quincy Dodd were part of the Jillaroos side that defeated England 90-4 in a historic performance at Allegiant Stadium. Congratulations girls – you did us all proud.
The Junior Representative season is now at the business end, with our Lisa Fiaola, Tarsha Gale, Harold Matthews and SG Ball teams all in finals contention heading into the last two games of the season. Good luck to everyone involved.
The Jersey Flegg season is underway, with the Sharks bouncing back with consecutive wins after starting with a loss against the Panthers. They will play before the NRL team against the Bulldogs at Sharks Stadium this weekend.
Our NSW Cup partner club Newtown continue to shine, kicking off their title defence with three straight victories. The Jets host Canterbury at Henson Park on Saturday in a match where Jesse Colquhoun is set to return from an ACL injury.
Excitingly, NRL squad members Kade Dykes (knee), Toby Rudolf (shoulder) and Max Bradbury (knee) are also nearing comebacks, helping to offset the unfortunate long-term losses of Sione Katoa (shoulder surgery) and Liam Ison (ruptured ACL).
Our medical team remain hopeful that Braden Hamlin-Uele will avoid surgery after suffering knee cartilage damage against the Rabbitohs, with his return-to-play timeframe yet to be confirmed.
