The Cronulla Sutherland Sharks announced today that the club will use Netstrata Jubilee Stadium in Kogarah as its home ground next year while PointsBet Stadium is closed during renovations to the adjoining Leagues Club.
CEO Richard Munro said the club had negotiated with Georges River Council to play 11 home games at Kogarah in 2020.
The Sharks will play their other home game on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast as part of a drive to increase the club’s supporter base.
Mr Munro said the Sharks had completed an exhaustive consultation process with members, sponsors, hospitality partners and fans to determine where they wanted to watch the Sharks play over the next two seasons while the redevelopment is undertaken.
“While there were many ideas put forward, Netstrata Jubilee Stadium emerged as the clear preference of our stakeholders,” Mr Munro said.
“Jubilee Stadium is only about 10 kms up the road from PointsBet Stadium and it is accessible by both road and rail.
“So it is a convenient option for all Sharks supporters and commercial partners.
“We will play more games at Kogarah than any other sporting team next year and we intend making it our own fortress.
“The players are supportive of the move and now we are focussed on delivering a great season for our fans.”
Georges River Council Mayor Kevin Greene said that Council was pleased to be able to offer more elite level games at Netstrata Jubilee Oval and to provide a temporary home to the Sharks.
“We look forward to hosting both the Cronulla Sutherland Sharks and their dedicated fans,” said Mayor Greene.
Sunshine Coast Mayor Mark Jamieson Council also expressed his excitement surrounding the announcement of the Sharks game in their region next year.
“I’m absolutely thrilled to announce that the Cronulla Sharks have put their faith in the Sunshine Coast to stage one of their NRL premiership home games here in 2020 and 2021,” Mayor Jamieson said.
“We’d love to see plenty of Sharks fans head to the Sunshine Coast next year for what will be another terrific event.”
Mr Munro said the Sharks would now put together a range of members packages to encourage fans to follow the club to their temporary home grounds next year.
These will include incentives to ensure members can return to their current seats at PointsBet Stadium when the Sharks return in 2022.
Mr Munro said an information session for club members will be held next month to provide more details and give fans a chance to ask any questions about the move.
“We apologise for the inconvenience to our loyal fans for the next two years but these works will set up the Sharks for long term success both on and off the field,” he said.
