CEO Update - May 2024

Welcome to the CEO Update for May in providing the latest news on business relating to the Sharks over the past month, along with initiatives planned and highlights to look forward to during the weeks and months ahead.

From an NRL standpoint, while the past two weeks have been disappointing, by anyone's estimation the season to date has been a successful one. Nine wins from our first 12 games and entrenched in the top four, we can now look forward to the back end of the season.

After another road trip to play Brisbane at Suncorp Stadium, we return home to PointsBet Stadium when we host the Dolphins in round 15, for what will be the first official visit to the Sutherland Shire for the newest team in the NRL competition. With games selling out at our previous home matches, don't delay and secure your ticket now.

Further to our NRL team, in his report General Manager of Football Darren Mooney will cover off on a number of player milestones which have taken place in recent weeks, and I join in the congratulations to those particular players.

Also, good luck and congratulations to Nicho Hynes and Cam McInnes who will represent NSW in the first State of Origin game on Wednesday, and we look for more of the same from Emma Tonegato and Tiana Penitani who played strongly in the win by the Sky Blues in the Women's Origin opener. Along with Ellie Johnston who will join them as a member of the extended NSW squad, they will both be integral members of the NSW team again for the game which kicks off on Thursday.

Still on our Women's program and from a signings point of view, we have been active in extending the contracts of a handful of our current NRLW players, while also announcing some outstanding new additions to the squad. Anticipation is building, an NRLW season launch is coming soon, and tickets will be on sale in the coming weeks. If you have the opportunity, please show your support to our team for what is shaping as an exciting second season in the NRLW competition.

In news relating to the Sharks Leagues Club at Woolooware, the roof and associated drainage is complete, plans are being finalised and builder will soon be appointed. Stay tuned for updates as to the fitout process and a potential Club opening as we continue to work with the Developer in obtaining a firm date of handover of our Club shell so we can progress to starting our build.

Golden Bay Chinese restaurant has opened its doors in the Town Centre, the food offerings at the restaurant are sensational and the feedback has been extremely positive. The Golden Bay has game day hospitality packages available, and we encourage members and fans to give it a try. We are working closely with the team at Golden Bay Chinese restaurant and will keep you informed on some exciting member benefits that we hope to announce very soon.

As the Leagues Club at Woolooware continues to progress, and we again thank you for your patience, please continue to patronise Sharks at Kareela. Offering a welcoming environment with professional and friendly staff and excellent food and beverage selections, Sharks at Kareela also features function rooms suitable for all types of events. Call reception or go to the website to contact our Events Staff to book your next celebration, corporate event or special function.

In another exciting development, we are moving quickly towards opening the doors of our new Sharks Store in the Woolooware Bay complex. To be located near the entrance to Woolworths, plans are being finalised, we will progress quickly to a store fit out and in the next month or so all your Sharks merchandise will be available in a new Sharks Store. In the interim, the Sharks Store at Kareela will continue to operate.

You will also read below the latest update as to community activities we have been involved with during the last month. Led by Vinh Tran, and assisted by his Sharks Have Heart team, we are proud of our community engagement as we continue to make a positive impact with those we come into contact with. 

Thanks for taking the time to read this latest CEO Update. We appreciate your ongoing support, look forward to seeing you at PointsBet Stadium over the back half of the NRL season, or relaxing at Sharks at Kareela enjoying a drink or a meal.

Sharks CEO
Dino Mezzatesta

We're excited to announce our participation in the ClubsNSW Perfect Plate Awards 2024. Our talented team at Cove Bar & Grill has crafted two delicious dishes for the competition: a succulent peach & bourbon glazed pork rib-eye and a creamy honeycomb panna cotta dessert. Voting closes on Sunday, June 16, so make sure to visit the Cove Bar and Grill to taste our entry dishes and cast your vote.

This year, our staff have been actively involved in various community initiatives through our volunteer program. We have participated in Cleanup Australia Day, the World's Greatest Shave, and most recently, the Sutherland Shire Relay For Life. On Saturday, May 4, we gathered at Don Lucas Reserve, Wanda Beach, and participated in the relay from 10am until 2:30am the next day, walking almost 16 hours in an effort to celebrate survivors, remember loved ones, and fight back against cancer. Our team of 22, including 16 dedicated staff members, helped raise over $350,000 for cancer research.

Our new Plinko Jackpot Promotion gives Members the chance to win a share of up to $7,800 in cash and will be held every Thursday and Sunday night. Simply swipe your membership card for an entry, and three lucky winners will get to play Plinko for a chance to win the jackpot prize of up to $1,000 in cash.

For our footy fans, we're offering new Sharks NRL and NRLW game day specials, including Crumbed Mini Wings & Mozzarella Stix served with Sriracha dipping sauce. We also have a special Blue Fin Mojito offer where you can purchase a cocktail or mocktail and keep the frosted Sharks logo glass.

We're also gearing up for the State of Origin series, shown live and loud on the big screen and featuring Nicho Hynes and Cameron McInnes for the mighty Blues! Enjoy $17 Stone Baked Pizzas during the games and enter to win a NSW Blues State of Origin jersey by swiping your membership card at the kiosk between 6pm and 8pm on Origin game nights.

Our player sponsors recently enjoyed a trivia night with the Squad at Kareela. Thank you to all of our player sponsors for your support.

Aramex continue to deliver for our Members and fans. Last home game at Indigenous Round they had their collectible player footy cards, a photo booth and gave away a signed Indigenous jersey for the 'special delivery'.

Check out Madimack's Matchup competition for your chance to win a 2024 Cronulla Sharks signed jersey.

Pilot will be activating at the next home game against the Dolphins – be sure to check out their activation at the eastern gate and on field at halftime for your chance to win.

FrontLine Australia now have an interactive billboard on the Peter Burns Stand, so be sure to check it out. FrontLine Australia deliver home services for our defence force veterans, emergency services veterans, aged care and national disability customers with services such as cleaning, gardening, maintenance to name but a few. We are proud to partner with a company that makes such a difference in the lives of veterans and the vulnerable.

The corporate marquee has sold out for the season, while the Golden Bay Asian restaurant is open at Bay Central with views over the playing field. They are offering a VIP dining experience on game days and are also open seven days a week for an exceptional Asian dining experience.

Approaching the halfway point of the season, we've now surpassed 16,400 Members! We look forward to building on what is already a club record – CLICK HERE for more information on Memberships starting from only $40.

To ensure you receive important Membership updates regarding ticket on-sales and other news, please keep your details up to date by logging into your account via the Ticketek portal or emailing [email protected].

We are excited to announce NRLW tickets will go on sale Monday June 24 in readiness for our season-opening home match against the Cowboys on Saturday July 27. Tickets are available for just $15 for Adults and $10 for Juniors. Full-season Members will receive free entry simply by scanning their Member card.

Our Round 14 Brisbane Member Meet & Greet event has now been announced. If you can attend, please CLICK HERE to RSVP.

Don't forget, if you're travelling to see the Sharks play away from home, or you're a Country & Interstate Member heading to Sydney for a match, you can access our exclusive Member discount code for a Quest Hotel Apartments stay.

Thank you to all our Members and fans who took the time to complete our new Game Day Experience survey. We are passionate about delivering unforgettable experiences and will continue to survey throughout the season, with your valuable feedback assisting us in our ongoing game day planning. 

We have received positive feedback to our NRL Indigenous Round celebration which saw both teams walk out side-by-side forming a boomerang formation and a live Welcome to Country as part of a respectful and colourful pre-game ceremony. A half-time kicking competition with David Peachey and an illuminated crowd singalong of 'We are Australian' also helped celebrate this important round.

View Indigenous Round highlights video here.

Up next at home we take on the Dolphins for the first time ever at PointsBet Stadium on Thursday 13 June. 'The Battle of the Fins' will also mark the kick-off to NRL 'Beanies for Brain Cancer Round' and we are hoping this game will mark a massive six from six home game sell-outs.

We are also excited to be counting down to the launch of the Sharks' NRLW season '24 with new marketing and fan engagement activations in planning and tickets on sale June 24. 

Be sure to follow us on sharks.com.au and our socials for all the 'hot off the press' Sharks news, stories, promotions, and player insights. Also, don’t forget to visit Sharks at Kareela for the best local hospitality and entertainment including our Sharks game day live site celebrations if you're not at PointsBet.

In the meantime, we invite you to relive some of the video highlights from the past month.

In collaboration with Gotcha4Life, we launched our inaugural Mental Fitness Round against the Dragons in Round 9. The initiative was driven by Nicho Hynes, who featured in a range of in-house videos promoting mental fitness and unity.

Indigenous Round celebrations included inviting artist Jordan Ardler to present her jersey design to the NRL squad, having Sharks greats Preston Campbell and David Peachey take part in cultural activities, hosting a community day with Deadly Choices to conduct free 715 health checks, and game-day ceremonies.

The Sharks were well represented across Magic Round with Jada Taylor, Dale Finucane and Community Engagement Manager Luke Koutrodimos involved in a wide range of activities across the Brisbane and south-east Queensland area.

Jada and Dale went to the Magic Round launch, visited the Brisbane Children's Hospital with the Starlight Foundation, spoke at the NRL School Ambassador program, attended a Gotcha4Life Breakfast fundraiser (where the Sharks helped raise over $1,000,000 for the foundation), delivered a Deadly Choices health program to Mitchell High School and a coaching clinic at Carinda JRLFC.

Sharks at Kareela hosted Woolooware High School's Leadership by the Bay event with approximately 130 Year 6 student leaders and their high school mentors. Emma Tonegato, fresh off an Origin win, shared her story of becoming a professional athlete and how to maximise individual strengths to achieve a team goal.

For all your merchandise needs, visit the Sharks Store at Sharks at Kareela (1 Bates Drive, Kareela NSW 2232) or shop online at store.sharks.com.au.

Our 2024 Indigenous range has been well received by Members and fans, with the NRL team wearing the special jersey against the Panthers in Round 12. Plenty of stock remains available in jerseys, training T-shirts and shorts. 

Keep warm with our Classic winter range. There's lots to choose from, including hoodies, jackets and a new windbreaker exclusive to the club.

The Sharks merch van will head to Brisbane for our clash with the Broncos at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday. Stay tuned to socials for times and a location.

It was a strong start to May for our NRL team, with a local derby win against the Dragons before beating the Storm in Melbourne and the Roosters at Magic Round. While disappointing to lose back-to-back matches to the Panthers and Eels, we’ve set our season up well so far and remain towards the top of the ladder.

Oregon Kaufusi achieved 100 NRL games against the Roosters while Sione Katoa reached the same milestone versus Parramatta, marking the occasion with two tries. Congratulations also to Nicho Hynes and Cameron McInnes, who thoroughly deserved their State of Origin selection for NSW. They’ve been outstanding all year and will represent their state and club proudly against Queensland on Wednesday.

Sharks stars Emma Tonegato and Tiana Penitani featured in the Sky Blues team that defeated the Maroons in the opening women’s Origin match, with Ellie Johnston a member of the extended squad. The trio have retained their places for Origin II this Thursday – well done.

Our NRLW recruitment team will finalise their 2024 squad imminently after announcing several impressive signings. Pre-season training officially begins this week ahead of the competition kicking off in late July, with the Harvey Norman NSW Premiership women also working hard in readiness for their campaign.

We recently celebrated our junior boys and girls teams at presentation nights. Congratulations to all award winners, notably Tom Dellow (Junior Representative Player of the Year) and Felila Fakalelu (Female Pathways Player of the Year).

Dellow was last week selected in the under-18s NSWCHS schoolboys team alongside Aaron Keppie and Nikora Williams, who was named Player of the Series in the trials. Charlie Bateup made the NSWCHS under 15s side, while Alex Challenor was picked in the NSWCCC 18s team.

In the schoolgirls ranks, the Sharks are represented by Charlotte Teplicanec and Isabella McDonald in the NSWCCC 16s team, Jessica Stonestreet and Tarnee Ingram in the CCC 18s and Milla Caine in the CIS 18s.

The club also had several junior NSW City representatives in mid-May, with Liam Challenor and Jamie Curran (16s boys), Alex Challenor and Nikora Williams (18s boys) and Manilita Takapautolo and Tia-Jordyn Vasilovski (19s girls) taking on Country teams.

Our girls and boys Winter Academy squads will begin training in the coming weeks as we continue to identify and develop local talent.

Rounding out this update, NSW Cup partner club Newtown have hit their stride with five consecutive victories to sit firmly in the top five. The under-21 Jersey Flegg Sharks continue to show fight, with one win, two close defeats and a bye in May.