Welcome to the first monthly CEO Update of 2025 as we count down to the trial match against the Warriors tonight, our trip to Las Vegas, the upcoming Hall of Fame event and the announcement of our first inductees, while we also report on the latest happenings around the club since returning from the Christmas period break.
I hope all our Members and fans enjoyed a safe and happy holiday and we look forward to seeing you at Sharks Stadium, if not for the trial match later today, then at a Sharks game, home or away, once the season gets underway in March.
Speaking of the NRL season which is fast approaching, our top squad resumed training on January 4, with preparations for our round one clash against the Panthers in Las Vegas well and truly starting to ramp up.
Not all of our stars will be on show tonight when we play the Warriors (CLICK HERE for the latest team list), however we are excited to have rugby league back on the field and encourage you to come down to our first official hit out. Kick-off is at 7.30pm.
Members who have already signed on for 2025 will gain free access to the trial, while tickets are available online and also at the gate.
Our second trial sees the NRL team travel to Canberra for a game against the Raiders on Thursday, February 13.
Another big day of rugby league action follows at Sharks Stadium this Saturday, with our junior representative Matthews Cup and SG Ball teams to play the Raiders, before Canberra play the Panthers later that afternoon in an official NRL trial match.
Both our men's junior rep teams started their 2025 campaigns in the best possible fashion with impressive wins over the Panthers last week, and while our Lisa Fiaola and Tarsha Gale women's teams may have gone down to Penrith in round one, there was enough to like about their performances to suggest there are wins in store in the weeks to come.
While our trip to Las Vegas is front of mind, before we head off to the US we are excited about our scheduled Hall of Fame event, to be held on Sharks Stadium on Tuesday, February 18.
Our five current Sharks Immortals will be inducted into the club's first Hall of Fame, while joining them will be six of the very best, as identified and chosen by a specially formed committee, to have ever worn Cronulla colours.
And you can join in on the celebrations and be a part of the evening – with tickets in a viewing area in the ET Stand now on sale. CLICK HERE to purchase your ticket and join us for what will be an historic event.
In other off-season events, we held a Cultural Season Launch late in January, which showcased the many and varied cultures represented across all teams at our club.
It was an outstanding lead-in to the 2025 season and an event embraced by not only the players themselves, but also by those in attendance on the night. CLICK HERE for a photo gallery and more as to what went on at our Cultural Season Launch event.
In other areas of the business, while our department heads will offer more detail, commercially we farewell a couple of corporate partners, while welcoming some new ones into the Sharks 'family'. Kylie Lucas will elaborate further, however we are proud of those partners we have been able to attract in 2025 and look forward to long and mutually beneficial associations with all concerned.
Our Sharks Store in the Woolooware Bay Town Centre traded strongly during the Christmas period and is fully stocked with 2025 gear ahead of the upcoming season. Also in Woolooware Bay is the Golden Bay restaurant, with its unique Asian cuisine offerings receiving outstanding reviews from all who have patronised it. The Golden Bay is open six days a week, with Sharks Members receiving a 10 per cent discount. CLICK HERE for more information or to make a booking.
Also during the recent school holiday period the Sharks Have Heart team conducted another successful Footy and Surf Clinic and they are now hard at it planning our community involvement and schedule for the next few months.
Our Membership numbers are extremely healthy with round one just around the corner, however there are 2025 Sharks Membership options still available in all categories.
Elsewhere, our marketing-digital media department continues to provide content and up-to-date messaging to keep you informed about the team and everything to do with the Sharks.
Sharks at Kareela was a welcoming facility for our Members and guests during the Christmas and New Year period, and for those Members and fans not making the trip it will be the ideal venue to watch our big game in Las Vegas.
Sharks at Kareela has been selected as the Shire's Official Watch Party location, one of 22 Clubs throughout the state, with the experience to include Vegas Showgirls, Sharks Mermaids, US-themed food and beverage offers and every second of live NRL in Vegas action. Sunday, March 1, if you're not at Allegiant Stadium, Sharks at Kareela will be the place to be.
And in an exciting announcement from earlier today, two of our Sharks women in Quincy Dodd and Tiana Penitani will also be in Las Vegas after being named in the Jillaroos team to play England. Congratulations on your selection and good luck to both girls for what will be an outstanding opportunity.
Thanks again to our Members, fans and corporate partners for your ongoing support and we hope to see you all at games and at our various events in supporting the Sharks again in 2025.
Woolooware Bay – Sharks Leagues Club
As was reported in the last edition of the CEO Update before the Christmas break, getting our Club lot back so we can commence our fit out is imminent, and we then expect to be able to give Members a more comprehensive update with further details in the next CEO Update.
On returning from the break, the team were straight back into it. We are now down to two builders on the tender list and are well placed to have selected the nominated builder by next month. The Club lot handover and the appointment of a builder are two major milestones that, once achieved, will give us confidence that we are finally making progress and have a clear path to a Club opening date. Please be assured we continue to work hard with the developer and other stakeholders in relation to our Club project so we can deliver what was promised some time ago.
Dino Mezzatesta
Sharks CEO
As always, there are promotions and events aplenty on the radar at Sharks at Kareela. Here's what Members can enjoy over the coming weeks:
$2,000 cash giveaway
Be at Sharks at Kareela tonight and you could walk away with a pocket full of cold, hard cash.
Simply swipe your Members card at the kiosk from 7pm to enter the draw, with a $200 cash winner announced every 10 minutes between 8pm and 9.30pm.
Don't miss your chance to be among the 10 lucky winners!
Watch the Sharks live and loud in 2025
The Sharks launch their 2025 campaign with a Pre-Season Challenge game tonight against the Warriors. If you can't make it to Sharks Stadium, we'll be streaming the game live and loud on the big screen from 7.30pm. Enjoy a delicious meal or refreshing beverage while watching the team for the first time this year.
And don't miss our Official NRL Vegas Watch Party on Sunday, March 2! Sharks at Kareela has been selected as one of 22 live sites around NSW. Support the Sharks and enjoy every second of live NRL Vegas action as well as entertainment including Vegas showgirls, Sharks Mermaids and US-themed food and beverages.
NRL tipping competition
Fancy yourself as an NRL expert? Join our free Sharks at Kareela tipping competition and compete for cash, with $250 for first place, $150 for second and $100 for third.
CLICK HERE to register – details below.
Comp number: 108123
Password: Sharks2025
Sharks Trivia Night
Think you know your Sharks history? Put your knowledge to the test at our free Sharks Trivia Night on Wednesday, February 19.
Join Sharks players for an evening of fun, footy and friendly competition. Gather your mates, sharpen your trivia skills and compete for great prizes.
Valentine's Day specials
Treat your special someone to an unforgettable Valentine's Day feast from our award-winning Cove Bar & Grill on Friday, February 14.
Share the love with a delectable seafood platter for two and dessert fondue for $130. For a heavenly refreshment, savour our Valentine Vovo cocktail for $15.
CLICK HERE to book now.
Win a jet ski or $10,000 cash!
In just three weeks, one lucky Member will win a Sea-Doo jet ski or $10,000 cash at the Major Draw of our latest competition on Thursday, February 27!
In the meantime, join us every Thursday and Sunday from 8-10pm for the chance to win cash prizes and an entry to the Major Draw. Simply swipe your Members card at the rewards kiosk for a daily competition entry (triple entries on draw days).
Up to $50,000 in cash and prizes will be given away in total.
On behalf of the Corporate Team, welcome to the 2025 season! We hope you all enjoyed a great Christmas break and are ready for an exciting season ahead.
As mentioned in the December update, we have a full suite of partners continuing their support of the Sharks in 2025 across NRL, NRLW and pathways. I would like to take this opportunity to thank and farewell Madimack after five years supporting the club, starting as a shorts partner and evolving onto the lower back of the jersey. Having the support of partners over a long tenure like Madimack is something we are grateful for. We wish Alex and the Madimack team all the best.
We also farewell and thank Lae Biscuit, one of our back of shorts partners for the last two years. Thank you John and the Lae Biscuit team for your support.
Our corporate suites are now sold out for the 2025 season, with our corporate hospitality partners again showing their valued support of the club. Many such partners have been supporting the club for several years – thank you. We are looking forward to welcoming you all back at our first home game on March 22. We are taking also enquiries for casual game hospitality in our corporate marquee. Please contact [email protected] to register your interest.
Our player sponsor partners have renewed for the season, with only three NRL players still available. Thank you to our player sponsors that support this program and the club every year. For the NRLW season, which will be here before we know it, there is an opportunity to align your company with one of our female players. Please contact the corporate team for more information on how you can be part of the growth and excitement of the NRLW team.
We are actively in market in relation to our available commercial assets, including that of stadium naming rights partner, NRL and NRLW shorts and signage and other minor partnerships. For the 2024 season the Sharks were ranked fifth in the NRL for average TV viewership, providing exceptional national and local TV exposure for sponsorship.
Please don't hesitate to contact me should you wish to discuss any of these opportunities. I can be emailed at [email protected].
Up Up Cronulla!
Thank you to all Members who have proudly shown their loyalty and committed to being 'Sharks Forever' in 2025.
We have now surpassed 13,000 Members and there are still great reserved seats available for the season. CLICK HERE to view those available or take advantage of the General Admission Membership for a whole year's worth of family entertainment at an affordable price.
It was fantastic to see so many Members in attendance at our 2025 Members' Season Launch Party in January. Although wet weather unfortunately downsized the event to a meet-and-greet style format, every single Member who attended was able to enjoy a great day with the playing squad. CLICK HERE to relive all the memories and fun.
Full Season Members are reminded they can use their Member card to receive GA access to the trial match against the Warriors tonight. If you don't already have your physical Member card, make sure you download the digital card to your phone's wallet for express entry. Part Season and Flexi Members can still redeem a ticket without impacting the number of entitlements for match entry.
With the team then heading to Vegas following the trials and the great news of Sharks at Kareela being selected as the Shire's Official Watch Party location, now is the time to ensure you redeem your Leagues Club Membership – another great benefit of being a Sharks Member. Don't miss an unforgettable Watch Party experience including Vegas Showgirls, Sharks Mermaids cheerleaders, US-themed food and beverage offers and every second of live NRL in Vegas action.
Speaking of Member benefits, make sure you regularly check the 'Member Benefits' link at the top of your regular Member email for updated partner offers. Along with the regular offers, such as signing up for a free Aramex account, 20% off selected Quest accommodation and 10% off Zambrero, you can find updated offers from our special partner family.
Another great Member benefit is discounts on away and additional home game tickets. Further information will be communicated in the Member emails, however tickets will go on sale to all 2025 NRL and NRLW season matches on February 12 to Members and February 14 to the general public.
Details are still being finalised regarding the remainder of the 2025 Members' Events calendar. Please keep an eye on your weekly Member email for further information and 'save the dates'.
Thanks again to all who have become Members for the 2025 season. We truly value your support both on and off the field.
Welcome to 2025. And what a year we have in store!
The countdown is well and truly on to the NRL Telstra Premiership season opener where the Sharks will take centre stage in the entertainment capital of the world – Las Vegas!
This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for our club, team, Members and fans and we look forward to taking you on the journey with us – whether you're lucky enough to be in Vegas or back home.
Be sure to stay glued to our socials for daily updates and insights into all the team action in Los Angeles and Las Vegas, including our first US training session and on-the-ground experiences in LA, the team's behind-the-scenes tour of Allegiant Stadium, the exhilarating NRL Fan Fest in Freemont Street, Sharks fan signing session at Resorts World and, of course, the grudge match we've all been waiting for against the Panthers. So, ride the Vegas Shark wave by following and engaging with us on Instagram, Facebook, X, YouTube and TikTok.
Sharks at Kareela – your home of the Sharks and award-winning local hospitality – will also be celebrating all things Sharks in Vegas and has been selected as an official ClubsNSW NRL Vegas Watch Party venue. Get your friends together and make a day of it with all the live NRL in Vegas action, giveaways, themed American food and more!
Do not miss out on being part of history as we celebrate and honour the legends of our great club at the inaugural Sharks Hall Of Fame ceremony on Tuesday, February 18 at Sharks Stadium. Tickets are still available. Plus, stay tuned for a very special stadium façade reveal!
In January, our NRL squad showed their colours in a number of season '25 content shoots at Sharks Stadium, Channel 9 and Fox Sports. Here's just a few snaps!
Tonight, we hope to see you back at Sharks Stadium to enjoy our "Sharks live" DJ and cheer on the boys at our first 2025 pre-season trial match. What a way to welcome Addin Fonua-Blake to his new home as we take on the Warriors!
#UpUp
It's been a busy period for the Sharks Have Heart team since the return from the Christmas and New Year holiday period. Several Sharks Have Heart initiatives were delivered during the school holidays and our community team are gearing up to deliver a raft of school and community programs in February.
Sharks in the Community
Sharks Indigenous art workshop
NRLW star Jada Taylor, our Indigenous Programs Coordinator, recently facilitated a community art workshop at Sharks at Kareela. The workshop was led by local artist Aunty Amy Hill and provided the opportunity for young Indigenous and non-Indigenous kids to learn about First Nations culture through art and storytelling.
Mega Jaws clinic
Sharks Have Heart continue to lead the way in providing participation opportunities for people with disability. NRLW playmaker Emma Verran, our Equal Access Program Lead, delivered a Mega Jaws clinic for kids with disability at Sharks Stadium on Tuesday, January 21. NRL captain Cam McInnes joined in with Toby Rudolf and other players to run a fun and inclusive clinic. Our Mermaids also came down to take the kids through some cheer routines.
Junior Jaws Footy and Surf clinic
Sharks Have Heart hosted over 100 kids with the Cronulla Surfing Academy for a fun day of school holiday activity at Wanda Beach on Friday, January 21.
This unique school holiday clinic saw kids mix with NRL and NRLW stars including Blayke Brailey, Toby Rudolf, Teig Wilton, Sam Stonestreet, Quincy Dodd, Jada Taylor and Emma Verran for footy skills on the sand before jumping in the water with world record holder Blakey Johnston for some stoke in the waves. READ MORE HERE.
Sutherland Shire Council Citizenship awards
We were honoured to receive two nominations at the recent 2025 Sutherland Shire Council Citizenship Awards. The club was nominated for Community Group of the Year in recognition of our community programs, particularly for people with disability. Our NRLW team was also nominated in the Sports Citizen of the Year awards for their impact in community sport.
Sharks Have Heart school programs
We send our best wishes to all the school kids and teachers for the start of the 2025 school year. Our range of flagship school programs will be delivered to schools and the wider community across the Sutherland Shire. We will have programs across each of our core pillars tailored for people with disability (Mega Waves, Score Sharks), Indigenous people (Deadly Choices) and diversity and inclusion (One Heart). To find out more information or to book your school in for a program, CLICK HERE.
Cronulla Sharks Ungah Academy
For any youngster eager to improve ahead of the Cronulla Junior Rugby League season, Sharks Have Heart's Ungah Academy, featuring coaching from Paul Gallen, is an unmissable opportunity. A skills-based development program led by accredited coaches for boys and girls aged 6-12, the Ungah Academy – which takes its name from the Dharawal word for shark – is the ideal launchpad for a successful and fun year on the field.
Proudly supported by Sharks community partner Quest Apartment Hotels, Ungah Academy sessions will be run every Tuesday night (5.30-7pm) for five weeks, from February 25 to March 25, at Woolooware High School.
Register for the Ungah Academy HERE.
2025/26 Sutherland Shire ClubGRANTS
We are proud to be part of the 2025/26 ClubGRANTS programs and provide financial support for innovative projects, activities and initiatives that empower local residents and support improvements in health and wellbeing. Applications for local Category 1 funding are now open, and we encourage all eligible not-for-profit organisations and community groups to request funding for projects and services that benefit the local community.
For more information and to apply for a 2025/26 ClubGRANT, CLICK HERE.
You can support the club's community work by donating to the Sharks Have Heart Foundation. All donations over $2 are tax deductible. Your support directly benefits the club and our community programs. The more support we have from generous donors, the more impact our programs have and our potential to reach those in the community who need us grows. DONATE HERE.
With the new season upon us, now is the perfect time to get kitted out and proudly show your support for the Sharks. Our Sharks Store at Woolooware Bay and the online store remain the best places to secure all things Sharks merchandise.
The 2025 Classic range has been fully restocked after great sales over Christmas.
While plenty of the summer range remains available, some new Classic winter items are now on sale in-store and online. This includes hoodies, jackets, track pants and beanies.
Our special Las Vegas range is also beginning to be stocked. Items currently on sale include a Las Vegas warm-up tee, New Era caps, beanies, a Las Vegas flag tee and hoodie. Keep an eye out in the coming weeks for Las Vegas trading cards and can coolers, as well as collectable Sharks NFL mini helmets.
The merchandise outlet on the western side of Sharks Stadium will be open for tonight's trial against the Warriors – come past and grab the latest gear!
After a short yet impactful pre-season, there's a buzz around the club ahead of our first NRL trial against the Warriors at Sharks Stadium this evening.
With less than two weeks until the squad departs for the United States, the players are in great shape and eager to take the field in front of our Members and fans.
The team will face the Raiders in their second and final Pre-Season Challenge match at GIO Stadium next Thursday, with the established NRL players who aren't featuring in tonight's game likely to have a run.
From there, the focus will be squarely on round one against the Panthers at Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas. The squad will be based in Los Angeles for the first leg of the trip before heading to Vegas to finalise our preparations.
Needless to say, everyone is extremely excited about the opportunity that awaits. But while it will be an unforgettable adventure, no one has lost sight of the fact that we are playing the premiers for two competition points.
The NRLW season is still a few months away, but female pathways manager Casey Bromilow and his staff have been busy in shaping their 2025 squad.
It was recently announced that Cassie Staples, Georgia Ravics, Filomina Hanisi, Grace-Lee Weekes, Dominique du Toit, Nakia Davis-Welsh, Rhiannon Byers and Vanessa Foliaki had recommitted to the club, with Jaydika Tafua earning an upgrade to the top 24.
We've also welcomed Caitlan Johnston-Green into the fold. Caitlan spoke wonderfully about her Indigenous heritage at our Cultural Season Launch and will be a major asset for us on and off the field.
With more signing news on the horizon, the women's space is in tremendous health.
Congratulations to Quincy Dodd and Tiana Penitani, who were today announced as part of a historic Jillaroos squad to play England in Las Vegas on March 1. Quincy and Tiana have also been named in the NSW Origin training squad alongside Ellie Johnston and Emma Verran, with sessions commencing next month. Well done to all involved.
The junior representative season kicked off last weekend, highlighted by our Harold Matthews and SG Ball teams recording impressive wins over strong Panthers outfits.
The boys teams will be in action against the Raiders at Sharks Stadium tomorrow afternoon in matches preceding the Penrith-Canberra NRL trial.
SG Ball squad member Prestyn Laine-Sietu was this week chosen in the prestigious Queensland under-19 emerging squad to participate in a high-performance program. Congratulations Prestyn.
While our Lisa Fiaola and Tarsha Gale girls fell short in their opening fixtures, they gave a good account of themselves and will look to find winning form against the Sea Eagles at the Sharks Academy (Cronulla High School) on Saturday morning.
Newtown, our NSW Cup partner club, will ramp up preparations for their title defence with an opening trial against Penrith at Henson Park, kicking off at 4pm tomorrow. Meanwhile, our under-21 Jersey Flegg squad will have their first hit-out against Manly at the Sharks Academy at 11am on Saturday, February 15.
It's an exciting time to be a Shark, with plenty of excellent results across our whole football program. We're all pumped and ready for another successful season.
