Cronulla has written to sponsors assuring them the club has no plans to move out of the Shire after online rumours surfaced suggesting they were ready to ditch Shark Park at the end of the year. The Fanatics TV podcast floated a suggestion this week that the Sharks would move their NRL home games to Allianz Stadium and Kogarah Oval from 2027 due to the poor state of their current headquarters.
Ocean Protect Stadium has been operating at reduced capacity for years after a major redevelopment of the precinct – including a new leagues club – dragged on well past its expected finish date. The club is seeking additional funding to further upgrade the ground and bring it into the modern era.
Cronulla Sharks officials have denied reports that Sunday’s NRL derby against the Dragons will be the club’s last at their Ocean Protect Stadium home ground. Pic: Getty
(Getty)
But according to the podcast, influential NRL figures have declared “enough is enough” and are demanding the club finds a new home next year. If correct, it would mean this Sunday’s clash against St George Illawarra would be the last at Shark Park.
The rumoured exit from the Shire caught fire online, leading to an angry response from Cronulla fans upset their beloved ground may soon be history. But Cronulla officials have strongly denied they are being forced out, contacting their major backers to reassure them they will remain at their Woolooware base.
Cronulla deny rumours the club is leaving Shark Park
The email to sponsors, in part, read: “It was disappointing that these baseless comments have caused concern to many of you, our valued partners, as well as to the members and fans who enjoy the game day experience at Ocean Protect Stadium. There is no substance or truth in these statements.
“We do concede upgrades are certainly necessary moving forward and we continue to work with the NRL and government in an effort to secure funding to make this happen. We thank you for your continued support and look forward to seeing you at the big local derby clash on Sunday, which contrary to reports, won’t be the last time we host the Dragons at Ocean Protect Stadium.”
Cronulla officials have denied reports that the club is set to bid farewell to its home ground at Ocean Protect Stadium. Pic: Getty
(Cameron Spencer via Getty Images)
The club also confirmed completion of the leagues club is expected by the end of the year, which will increase spectator capacity and lead to a better game day experience. Most of Cronulla’s rival NRL clubs either have a Centre of Excellence or one in the works, putting the Sharks at a distinct disadvantage.
Coach Craig Fitzgibbon told Nine Newspapers: “For every other club that has one, that’s a little one on us. But in saying that, we don’t walk around sooking about it. We don’t walk around whinging about it. The Sharks are the only club in the game to own its home ground.