On the week of the competition restart, with the Sharks ready to tackle the Tigers, CEO Dino Mezzatesta with his monthly message to sponsors, members and fans.
"We are pleased to say that rugby league is back, with the Sharks in action tomorrow and the draw having been announced for the remainder of the 2020 season.
The Sharks as you are likely aware, have been allocated to play out of Bankwest Stadium until at least round 9, starting with our match against the Wests Tigers tomorrow night, so let’s hope we make it a happy hunting ground while our home base.
I know John Morris and his NRL squad will be doing all they can to make that the case.
From there it is Townsville and a game against the Cowboys in round 4, then it’s back to Bankwest and a local derby against the Dragons. For those who haven’t had a chance, go to the following link to check out the rest of our 2020 schedule of matches – CLICK HERE.
The next challenge is getting you our valued members and fans to the games and there are efforts being made and a focus on making that happen. Whilst we don’t believe it would mean full attendance at games anytime in the short term, we do believe there is a real possibility that numbers within social distancing guidelines will be allowed at some point in the season.
In relation to your 2020 Sharks membership options to consider for your membership will soon be communicated. There is no hiding from the fact that these have been extremely difficult times in regards to looking after our much valued members and we trust you appreciate the work which has gone on from Ben Ross and his team in providing the best possible outcomes for you and for the Club.
Let’s just hope the situation we are in returns to some sort of normality soon and you can be back supporting your Sharks in the manner you are accustomed to before we know it.
I would offer similar sentiments to our sponsors and corporate partners, who have been solid with their support through this Coronavirus pandemic and NRL shutdown period. We thank them one and all, while welcoming an increased investment and commitment to the Sharks from Sarraf Strata who recently upgraded their partnership in becoming a back of jersey sponsor.
Take a look at the Sarraf announcement which appeared on our website (CLICK HERE) and again we thank them for their ongoing support of the Sharks.
On matters away from football, only a few days ago we were given the green light from the Office of Liquor & Gaming for our amalgamation with Kareela Golf Club to proceed. We are now expecting to open the doors of Sharks at Kareela, on June 29. This a magnificent milestone for the Sharks as we expand our brand within the Sutherland Shire. The Kareela club building is undergoing some renovations that we anticipate will be completed ahead of our takeover date in late June and I have no doubt this will become an extremely popular venue for our members and fans to enjoy.
Elie Bassil our Leagues Club General Manager is tremendously excited to be opening this new facility to you our members, with communications from his team coming before June 29 in explaining how your current Sharks Leagues Club membership card will be valid for Kareela.
Back closer to home, works are progressing well on Woolooware Bay project and on our Leagues Club redevelopment.
Roadworks are on track with an anticipated completion date at the end of June, where we will see a signalised intersection at Woolooware Road and Captain Cook Drive. Piling will soon start on the retail side of the development with construction having continued through the COVID period, while sales have reportedly been strong for Stage 4 apartments in the Woolooware Bay project.
These Stage 4 apartments offer value with their water views and in offering sale prices around 50 per cent less than similar properties in Cronulla. Those interested can find out more by visiting the display suite, which is open seven days a week from 10am to 1pm at 71 Cronulla Street (next to NullaNulla Café).
And I am thrilled to announce a significant addition to our executive team with the appointment of Mr Vince Costa who joins the Sharks as Chief Financial and Commercial Officer.
Vince is an experienced operator, knowledgeable in the NRL space after 16 years with the Bulldogs where he was Financial Controller, CFO, and COO and he is very excited about this next chapter of his career here at our Club.
We welcome Vince, his wife Magda and his two children into the Sharks family and as a local Shire resident have no doubt he will fit in seamlessly and become a valuable asset to our Club.
Finally, in addressing the Bronson Xerri situation and his provisional suspension, we were all shocked and surprised and extremely disappointed by the news which came through this week, however until the ASADA and NRL Integrity process has run its course there is little more that we can say.
While in no way does the Club condone the use of performance enhancing substances, or for that matter drugs of any type, Bronson needs to be afforded due process and natural justice without being prejudged. Our immediate concerns have been for his welfare and wellbeing and we are providing Bronson with as much support as we can in the circumstances.
In conclusion I would like to reinforce the fact that it’s great to have the NRL up and running, Sharks at Kareela is about to open its doors officially as a second Sharks licensed premises and the Leagues Club redevelopment and Woolooware Bay project continues to forge ahead in providing fantastic new facilities for all to enjoy, making for plenty to look forward to for you our Sharks members in both the short and long term.
We hope you have stayed safe throughout this unprecedented COVID-19 period and we thank you for your continued support of the Sharks.
Up Up Cronulla."
Cronulla Sharks CEO
Dino Mezzatesta
