The Sharks have been allocated 11 free-to-air matches to be shown on Channel Nine in 2019 in an endorsement of the clubs' attraction and popularity with its own members and fans but also amongst the NRL public in general.
There was a time not so many years ago when the Sharks battled for recognition from the NRL broadcasters when it came to the allocation of games on free-to-air television.
In 2016, their premiership-winning year, the Sharks were featured on Channel Nine only four times in 24 rounds and while the percentage improved as defending premiers and into 2018, Cronulla still lagged behind the other competition heavyweights when it came to games shown by the NRL's free-to-air host broadcaster.
However, in an indication of the changing fortunes and their increasing appeal, the Sharks and Broncos will play in the highest number of free-to-air games on Channel Nine during the 2019 season.
Sharks CEO Barry Russell saw the television scheduling to be a great result for the club's corporate partners as well as for the loyal members and fans.
"To have 11 out for our 24 games broadcast on Channel 9, free to air television, from a commercial perspective is an outstanding result for our major corporate partners and for our Members and fans," Russell said.
"It is most certainly a wonderful show of recognition for our top four finish in 2018 and for our potential to be amongst the contenders again in 2019."
Sharks fans must wait a few weeks for their first Channel Nine game, with a round six match-up against the Panthers their first free-to-air broadcast, however from round eight when the Sharks host the Storm, they then feature in 10 free-to-air games over the next 14 weeks of the season.
In all the Sharks have six home games to be shown on the free-to-air network, with the five away matches representing an excellent opportunity for those fans unable to travel interstate, overseas or across town, to see their team live and free through Channel Nine.
All other Sharks matches will be broadcast on the Fox League channels, while Fox Sports also simulcasts all Channel Nine matches throughout the NRL season.
The Sharks would love to have as many members and fans at the games, cheering the team on at both Shark Park and at the away venues, but if you can't be there, the 2019 schedule ensures the Sharks games will be live and loud in a lounge room near you.
CLICK HERE for the entire Sharks 2019 NRL draw.
