While anticipation builds with the NRL and NRLW Finals just a week or so away, plenty of excitement also surrounds the start of the building and fit out phase for our new Sharks Leagues Club in Woolooware.
Xenia Constructions were introduced as our building partners at a recent Members info night and in a previous CEO Update, and they are now working alongside our project management partners CARAS who will oversee the build.
As was announced recently we have accepted the handover of the original building and Leagues Club shell, plans are finalised and the build and fit out is underway.
Following on, both Xenia and CARAS will provide updates of where the project is at as we are now full steam ahead in looking to complete the Leagues Club as close as possible to the timeframe previously communicated and to have the doors open for our Members and their guests to enjoy towards the back end of next year.
In other matters, a football report will also follow, however following games on the weekend we can report that four of our senior teams, in the NRL, NRLW, Jersey Flegg, and our partner club in the NSW Cup the Newtown Jets have all qualified for the Finals, while the NSW Women's Premiership Sharks are well placed to join them with two games to go in what is an exceptional result for our club.
This is an exciting time of the year and we look forward to supporting all Sharks teams (and the Jets) in the big games ahead.
Away from the field and in relation to Sharks Stadium, while we are aware our facilities are in need of an upgrade, it is encouraging that non-NRL or rugby league bodies and organisations have expressed interest in accessing and using the stadium for upcoming events.
An AUSX Supercross event has been locked in and is scheduled for October 25, with early interest and ticket sales exceptional, with December 6 penciled in for a Carols by Candlelight event.
The interest shown is evidence of the potential our stadium has as a multi-use venue, the demand for a facility of this kind in the Sutherland Shire and further emphasises the need for grants and financial support to bring it up to modern standards and community expectations.
In other business, and as always I begin with Sharks at Kareela, which despite golf being a washout during the month of August, trade and patronage has been positive over the last month.
Under the guidance of recently appointed Venue Manager Nathan Bougoukas there have been subtle changes which have been appreciated and recognised by the membership.
Please continue to utilise the facilities at Sharks at Kareela which is, and will continue to be, our second home in the Sutherland Shire.
We will explore football matters in more detail in this update below, although touching on recent events and happenings and it was great to celebrate Members Round on Sunday when we hosted the Knights.
While we came up just short of reaching 18,000 Members for the first time, 2025 was still a record year and one to build on next season and into the future. Thanks to all who have been on the ride with us this year and we look forward to your continued support in 2026.
Also keep an eye out for Member communications relating to upcoming exclusive events and for 2026 renewals.
Commercially, we thank our corporate and hospitality partners for their support and contribution this season and we express our gratitude for your commitment. I have no doubt you will join with us in supporting the team and club in the big games to come.
Although a number of sponsor properties have been sold for 2026, there are a number of partnership opportunities available for next year and please contact our Commercial department to discuss the options.
Sharks Have Heart continue to be active, with a Junior League Blitz, where our NRL squad visited all 13 local junior league clubs, a considerable success, as was Indigenous Round events, conducted over two weeks this year where our Indigenous players and culture received the respect they deserve.
The popular School Holiday clinics are also coming up again soon, so be sure to register your young boys or girls for what is an enjoyable day of footy fun.
In terms of merchandise, stock remains of the 2025 Indigenous Jersey, which everybody agreed was a striking design, with a range of Sharks apparel, supporter gear and special items also available. Why not go on-line or visit the Sharks Store and find a Father's Day gift for this Sunday.
Stay tuned to all our digital channels, not only to be entertained with all things relating to your Sharks NRL and NRLW teams, but also for information as to dates, kick off times and venues for the Finals.
And in some exciting news as reported in weekend media as well as on the Sharks website, club legend Paul Gallen will join the Board as an Appointed Director for an initial one-year term. This appointment reflects the Board's ongoing commitment to building a high-calibre, diverse governance structure that balances commercial expertise with deep football knowledge.
Follow the link (CLICK HERE) to see more on the Board appointment with comment from Chairman Steve Mace and from Paul himself.
Thanks again for your continued support, please read on below for a more comprehensive report relating to the Leagues Club construction, as well as a more detailed update on all matters football.
Sharks CEO
Dino Mezzatesta
Xenia Constructions
Following the official procurement of the site, full-time site presence and site establishment officially commenced on August 18, 2025. Since then, we've hit the ground running with early works and project mobilisation. Detailed design coordination is currently underway, ensuring every element of the build aligns with the club's vision and quality expectations.
In the coming months, construction will move into key stages, including:
- Façade demolition and replacement
- Installation of major building services
These milestones mark the beginning of visible transformation on-site, with progress continuing to build momentum toward the fit-out phase scheduled for early 2026.
We approach this build with a deep appreciation of what the Club means to its members, fans, and the broader Sutherland Shire. Every element – from the materials we choose to the craftsmanship we apply – has been planned to deliver a club environment that is modern, welcoming, and built to last.
CARAS Project Management
Building the future home of the Sharks: Project Milestone
The CARAS project management team has successfully completed the contractor procurement stage for the Cronulla Sharks' highly anticipated new Leagues Club at Woolooware Bay.
As highlighted in the previous CEO Update, the Club has officially taken possession of the Leagues Club shell, appointed Xenia Constructions, and commenced works. Designs are being finalised, programs are locked in, and construction is now in full swing for mobilisation.
Our Role – From Strategy to Delivery
CARAS were appointed as the Project Manager by the Sharks during the crucial procurement stage which included navigating a competitive tender process, managing contractor engagement, and leading negotiations through to the successful execution of the construction contract with Xenia Constructions. This ensured the project launched with a clear construction methodology, robust contractual protections, and the right delivery partner in place.
What's Next
- Site establishment works are underway.
- Façade demolition and structural works are expected to commence mid-September 2025.
- Fit-out works will follow in early 2026, targeting a mid-to-late 2026 club opening.
We're honoured to have been chosen to project manage the delivery of this iconic Leagues Club and to guide the collaboration between the Sharks, Xenia Constructions, and development partners to deliver a modern, vibrant venue for members, fans, and the local community. As we progress to construction, our focus remains on delivering a world-class club facility—symbolic of the Sharks' legacy and future.
From procurement to construction – the CARAS team is committed to delivering an outstanding Leagues Club for the Sharks and their supporters.
Football Update
The sun came out and it was an exciting afternoon for our double header on Sunday with our NRL side recovering from a slow start to comfortably beat Newcastle, while the NRLW team staged a sensational comeback to fight back from 18-4 down to beat the Knights 19-18 in Golden Point.
The victory over the Knights left the NRL boys in fifth position on the ladder with a last round clash against the Bulldogs to come next weekend, while the NRLW girls sit in third place and have assured themselves a place in the six-teams Finals series despite having two games left to play.
Sunday's results came on the back of successive wins by the NRL team over the Cowboys and Titans before last week's bye, while the NRLW Sharks have now won four in a row, the Knights victory following impressive performances against the Dragons, Titans and Warriors.
September is always an exciting time in any rugby league season and while we are excited about what both senior teams can produce in the coming weeks, our Under-21Jersey Flegg Sharks also finished the regular season in second place, the Newtown Jets were fourth and with our NSW Women's Premiership squad currently second with two rounds to go, it leaves us well placed to have all five teams under our banner move on to play Finals football in what is an outstanding achievement for our overall football program.
In more NRL news, we unfortunately lost our inspirational skipper Cam McInnes for the rest of the 2026 season following an ACL injury. There is no doubt Cam is already hard at work in trying to recover and return to the field as soon as possible and we wish him well.
In his absence, Craig Fitzgibbon and his coaching staff have installed Blayke Brailey as team captain for the remainder of the year. Blayke inspires his teammates in a different manner to Cam, however we are confident he will do an outstanding job and Sunday's game against the Knights was a great start.
In some positive injury news, it was great to see KL Iro return to the field after three months on the sideline, while there is every chance Jesse Ramien will make himself available for either the Bulldogs game in round 27 or for week one of the Finals.
Also, since the previous CEO Update Teig Wilton played his 100th NRL game. We've always known how good a player he is and what value he brings to our team each week, with Teig's talents also recognised further afield this year with his call-up to a NSW Origin training camp. Congratulations to Teig on reaching the 100-game milestone.
In re-signing news, Billy Burns has signed a contract extension for 2026, while young centre Michael Gabrael has extended his time at our club until at least the end of 2027.
In regard to our NRLW squad, and we recently celebrated the club debut of Caitlan Johnston-Green, who has returned to the field after having her first baby less than three months ago. Now having played three games for the Sharks NRLW side Caitlan is sure to be a key member of the team in the big games ahead. Well done also to youngster Leki Leilua who made her NRLW debut at the Sharks in the round five game against the Broncos.
In NRLW injury news, we have welcomed back Jada Taylor after a long and frustrating time on the sidelines, however unfortunately Quincy Dodd may struggle to return this season after recently having surgery to correct an ankle syndesmosis injury.
Still on the NRLW and congratulations to Rhiannon Byers on her nomination for the NRL's most prestigious community award, the Veronica White Medal. CLICK HERE to read more on Rhiannon's nomination.
In the lower grades, as mentioned previously, both the Jersey Flegg Sharks, who were second, and the Newtown Jets (4th) in the Knock-on Effect NSW Cup have qualified for the Finals and we wish them every success in the weeks ahead.
A highlight of the Flegg season was a recent trip to Fiji to play the Silktails. The Sharks were embraced by the locals, with the win over the Fijian boys a bonus on top of what was a fantastic cultural experience.
While lastly it was great to see the boys from our 1975 Premiership winning Under-23 team recently get together for a 50-year reunion. They were the first Sharks team to claim a NSWRL premiership.
And on behalf of the Sharks, following his recent passing I offer our condolences to the family and friends of John Brown. Shark #43, a goal-kicking outside back, John made his first-grade debut in 1969.
