The Sharks offer the following response to the breach notice handed down by the NRL to the Club and the Notice of Intention to Cancel Registration imposed on NRL Head Coach Shane Flanagan.
While disappointed at the severity of the fine imposed, the Sharks accept full responsibility and are understanding of the breach after an overview was provided to CEO Barry Russell and Chairman Dino Mezzatesta earlier today.
The $800,000 fine is based on preliminary findings and the Club will appeal the NRL's determination prior to the January 31 deadline.
The NRL has indicated the breach concerns former club officials and staff and there are no current staff, players or Board members implicated.
In relation to Shane Flanagan, the Sharks have offered immediate wellbeing support to Shane and his family and will continue to do so.
While having opportunity to appeal his breach, Shane cannot have any contact with the Club, nor the Club make contact with Shane, in regards to football matters during his appeal process.
In the interim, the Sharks are confident they have a committed playing group and the coaching structure in place to continue their preparations ahead of the 2019 season. A coaching structure will be discussed pending the outcome of Shane Flanagan's appeal process.
In relation to the fine imposed and the Club financial situation, significant progress has been made over recent weeks, shoring up our financial security, with the Sharks confident that they will navigate the current challenges.
