Official Cronulla Sharks Board + Management

[apezza]

A fairly straightforward AGM, no big dramas, small turnout. Did I ever mention there’s free beer?:

• As mentioned in other thread, the target is September opening, and ideally for the Storm game. It’s on track but no guarantees
• The finance for the club was covered. Again all as expected, part cash, part bank loan stream. The bank keeps a good eye on the expenses, but no issues…. it is good to know for transparency though. We should have around $7 million available to use at launch (with loan paid off later). They have detailed plans about how the loans are structured and paid off. They investigated opening the Function Rooms area earlier but decided it was safer to wait
• No major new info or images of the club. I think they said they are opening with 180 pokies, out of 220 entitlements. There will be a pizza oven thing outside. The outside deck can be rented for functions. Detailed designs still ongoing. The game day bar downstairs may be opened in a more simple form next year. Chairmans Club and wine bar inside.
• Peter Burns Stand will be finished over the off season, as soon as the season ends. The function rooms up stairs will not be ready, but there will be access up to the upper stand. Lots of compliance work
• There is interest in the Chinese restaurant as a Chinese restaurant but most operators want the leagues club to open first. That makes sense. Sharks have the right to make a commercial agreement with any restaurant operator for game/event days, or put up shutters on the windows if no arrangement can be reached.
• Fitzy was there for the whole meeting, and, in answer to a question, did a great improvised speech about the club’s history and culture. When you hear him speak, it resolves any doubt he’s the man for the job
• If there was a Centre of Excellence, it would have to be on site (e.g previous proposal in SW corner)
• Still planning going on gradually for Kareela site development (assisted living).

Overall these AGMs make you appreciate how much the board/management has to deal with, like managing aspects of the loan etc. They aren’t really free (time or money wise) to be looking at other projects just yet.

As one of the regulars said… it’s been 15 years… we’re on the home straight

Thanks for the update mate.

Can't see how could fit a COE on the ground. We need all the space we can get.

Good to see we have some stipulations around blocking off the windows in the Chinese restaurant on gameday.

Re Kareela - we just built an over 55s at Chatswood Golf course. It looks fantastic. Would be great revenue maker if Sharks could one day do something at Kareela.

 

[SF]

Thanks for the update mate.

Can't see how could fit a COE on the ground. We need all the space we can get.

Good to see we have some stipulations around blocking off the windows in the Chinese restaurant on gameday.

Re Kareela - we just built an over 55s at Chatswood Golf course. It looks fantastic. Would be great revenue maker if Sharks could one day do something at Kareela.

Yeah it still is very unlikely to happen, but Dino mentioned that design that links the Monty Porter and ET Stands, just as an idea. He did say Vlandys is still fighting for us with the politicians, even very recently

I think that SW corner design was this one:

 

[SF]

A couple of other things …

• why the Chinese restaurant is not being used yet on game days… The first two home games have had lower than expected crowds and hospitality demand, so not much point opening anyway. But main issue is that the Sharks hold the liquor license for it currently (no I don’t fully understand it either), but it requires full meals to be served with alcohol, and this makes it much more complicated, as there is no kitchen access
• Kareela’s profits were down by about half, but part of it was some technicality? with the poker machines and the amount you hold or earn or something. Again I don’t understand it. But it didn’t reflect a massive drop in patronage or activity

 

[HaroldBishop]

A couple of other things …

• why the Chinese restaurant is not being used yet on game days… The first two home games have had lower than expected crowds and hospitality demand, so not much point opening anyway. The Sharks hold the liquor license for it currently (no I don’t fully understand it either), but it requires full meals to be served with alcohol, and this makes it much more complicated, as there is no kitchen access
• I forgot the other point

Wow I'm amazed the demand is low, really surprised.

 

[SF]

Wow I'm amazed the demand is low, really surprised.

I think it’s just the 5:30 Saturdays against out of town teams

 

[SharkCast RSS]

2026 Cronulla Sharks AGM Notes From Michael Gillard (25/3/26)
Listen Now!...

---

Former Sharks statistician Michael Gillard reports in from the Cronulla Sharks AGM at Kareela with notes on what was discussed.


Brought to you by:

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Royal Motor Yacht Club Port Hacking

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[apezza]

Wow I'm amazed the demand is low, really surprised.

I wonder how they work out demand is low when they dont advertise it as a package (as far as I know).

 

[SF]

I wonder how they work out demand is low when they dont advertise it as a package (as far as I know).

Yes true. I believe from memory they were advertising the corporate marquee close to the Titans game though

I think one of the attractions for casual corporates is bringing their clients and mates from other teams…. And Dolphins/Titans don’t really offer much there

 

[SF]

One caution with the timing of the opening…. With all the doom and gloom about fuel supply, who knows if something like that could have an impact still….

 

[SF]

2026 Cronulla Sharks AGM Notes From Michael Gillard (25/3/26)
Listen Now!...

---

Former Sharks statistician Michael Gillard reports in from the Cronulla Sharks AGM at Kareela with notes on what was discussed.


Brought to you by:

Dyson Logistics Pty Ltd

Royal Motor Yacht Club Port Hacking

Jason Hawes Cripps & Cripps Real Estate


https://sharkcast.com.au/


SharkCast is into our 12th season of podcasting about all things Cronulla Sharks!


Download and subscribe for free on Acast, Apple, Spotify, YouTube, Google, Podbean, Deezer and all good podcast outlets.


Rate and review us please, it really does help us. Five star reviews and messages on iTunes is especially helpful and takes just a minute of your time.


Follow us on Facebook, X, TikTok, YouTube and Instagram. Please share our social media, this also is a big help to us.

---

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

---

Listen to Podcast Now!...

Good listen for an alternative viewpoint and some more detailed notes in some areas

 

[HaroldBishop]

One caution with the timing of the opening…. With all the doom and gloom about fuel supply, who knows if something like that could have an impact still….

Should be OK, the Iranians apparently have a big present for Trumpy

 

[Six Again]

A fairly straightforward AGM, no big dramas, small turnout. Did I ever mention there’s free beer?:

• As mentioned in other thread, the target is September opening, and ideally for the Storm game. It’s on track but no guarantees. They seem quietly confident though
• The finance for the club was covered. Again all as expected, part cash, part bank loan stream. The bank keeps a good eye on the expenses, but no issues…. it is good to know for transparency though. We should have around $7 million available to use at launch (with loan paid off later). They have detailed plans about how the loans are structured and paid off. They investigated opening the Function Rooms area earlier but decided it was safer to wait
• No major new info or images of the club. I think they said they are opening with 180 pokies, out of 220 entitlements. There will be a pizza oven thing outside. The outside deck can be rented for functions. Detailed designs still ongoing. The game day bar downstairs may be opened in a more simple form next year. Chairmans Club and wine bar inside on main level. Confirmed that the bistro will have the high ceilings of the old auditorium
• Peter Burns Stand will be finished over the off season, as soon as the season ends. The function rooms up stairs will not be ready, but there will be access up to the upper stand. Lots of compliance work
• There is interest in the Chinese restaurant as a Chinese restaurant but most operators want the leagues club to open first. That makes sense. Sharks have the right to make a commercial agreement with any restaurant operator for game/event days, or put up shutters on the windows if no arrangement can be reached. Sharks currently hold the liquor license, but it is a restaurant license
• Fitzy was there for the whole meeting, and, in answer to a question, did a great improvised speech about the club’s history and culture. When you hear him speak, it resolves any doubt he’s the man for the job
• If there was a Centre of Excellence, it would have to be on site (e.g previous proposal in SW corner)
• Still planning going on gradually for Kareela site development (assisted living).

Overall these AGMs make you appreciate how much the board/management has to deal with, like managing aspects of the loan etc. They aren’t really free (time or money wise) to be looking at other projects just yet.

As one of the regulars said… it’s been 15 years… we’re on the home straight

Thanks for the summary.

Certainly small turnout - but more concerning it was mainly the grey haired regulars & more so than usual.

Can only assume the majority of members are generally happy with the club's management or have other priorites .

Hearing the detail that was given reinforces that we are fortunate to have the directors we have who are prepared to put the time in they obviously do .

On the subject of lower than expected crowds to date , my view is that the high cost of drinks & foods is also a factor in combination with the current state of the facilities .

 

[SF]

Thanks for the summary.

Certainly small turnout - but more concerning it was mainly the grey haired regulars & more so than usual.

Can only assume the majority of members are generally happy with the club's management or have other priorites .

Hearing the detail that was given reinforces that we are fortunate to have the directors we have who are prepared to put the time in they obviously do .

On the subject of lower than expected crowds to date , my view is that the high cost of drinks & foods is also a factor in combination with the current state of the facilities .

Yeah it still surprises me the amount of interest in all these topics, vs the actual turnout. I agree, this was the smallest turnout and least new/younger people that I can remember. I've always encouraged here, but with not much results! I know Wednesday nights are not great for most people. but you'd think with all the podcasts, Shark Cage etc, we could get a few of those younger people to the meeting.

I know it's a fine balance between getting more people involved, and keeping the meeting efficient/to purpose, plus allowing discussion of some more private information etc. So I understand why they don't emphasise it on socials etc. You don't want it to devolve to questions about team lists or stuff that has been previously answered. The meeting is quite long enough as it is.

Still I always feel it's a huge privilege to be there, and be able to vote. I'm not a huge hanger-on-er, but always good to be in the same room and have as much right to be involved as people like Peter Gow who were so instrumental to keeping the club going.

I really appreciate the people who ask the questions each year, like Scott Longmuir and others. Even though Dino is open with answers, these extra questions are critical towards keeping some accountability.

 

[apezza]

Yeah it still surprises me the amount of interest in all these topics, vs the actual turnout. I agree, this was the smallest turnout and least new/younger people that I can remember. I've always encouraged here, but with not much results! I know Wednesday nights are not great for most people. but you'd think with all the podcasts, Shark Cage etc, we could get a few of those younger people to the meeting.

I know it's a fine balance between getting more people involved, and keeping the meeting efficient/to purpose, plus allowing discussion of some more private information etc. So I understand why they don't emphasise it on socials etc. You don't want it to devolve to questions about team lists or stuff that has been previously answered. The meeting is quite long enough as it is.

Still I always feel it's a huge privilege to be there, and be able to vote. I'm not a huge hanger-on-er, but always good to be in the same room and have as much right to be involved as people like Peter Gow who were so instrumental to keeping the club going.

I really appreciate the people who ask the questions each year, like Scott Longmuir and others.

If the want the younger social media Sharks supporters to attend, have an agenda item called:

Trindall & Hynes - 6 or 7

 

[Art Vandelay]

Yeah it still is very unlikely to happen, but Dino mentioned that design that links the Monty Porter and ET Stands, just as an idea. He did say Vlandys is still fighting for us with the politicians, even very recently

I think that SW corner design was this one:


View attachment 34597

it was, and by gum i think this would be a mistake if they include the changes to the inside of the ground. that would DEFINITELY lower the capacity significantly for very little benefit in terms of the fans.

seems to be a 50/50 split on how much green space teams want or need . bulldogs are going with 1 field at belmore, the raiders COE is 1 pitch, the roosters is built into the sfs but perhaps they still use the surrounding greenspace.
Eels, Panthers, Dragons have multiple fields.

if they are going with the on site greenspace and then maybe, using the highschool still i would be mofre in favour of lyall gormans "dig up, stupid" design

 

[SF]

Some of the people in the AGM have member numbers like 55 I think there's some even lower than that in previous years... maybe under 10.

 

[SF]

it was, and by gum i think this would be a mistake if they include the changes to the inside of the ground. that would DEFINITELY lower the capacity significantly for very little benefit in terms of the fans.

seems to be a 50/50 split on how much green space teams want or need . bulldogs are going with 1 field at belmore, the raiders COE is 1 pitch, the roosters is built into the sfs but perhaps they still use the surrounding greenspace.
Eels, Panthers, Dragons have multiple fields.

if they are going with the on site greenspace and then maybe, using the highschool still i would be mofre in favour of lyall gormans "dig up, stupid" design

View attachment 34599

Yeah I don't know how that would really fit in with the Monty Porter Stand. I can see it goes out on to the footpath airspace.... I doubt we have any right to the footpath, but could probably negotiate the airspace with council. But it doesn't seem to me like it would deliver enough extra room unless you eat into the stand area.

Lyall Gorman got us the Premiership, but with the CoE he reminded me a little of a monorail salesman

 

[Proud Shark]

Yeah it still surprises me the amount of interest in all these topics, vs the actual turnout. I agree, this was the smallest turnout and least new/younger people that I can remember. I've always encouraged here, but with not much results! I know Wednesday nights are not great for most people. but you'd think with all the podcasts, Shark Cage etc, we could get a few of those younger people to the meeting.

I know it's a fine balance between getting more people involved, and keeping the meeting efficient/to purpose, plus allowing discussion of some more private information etc. So I understand why they don't emphasise it on socials etc. You don't want it to devolve to questions about team lists or stuff that has been previously answered. The meeting is quite long enough as it is.

Still I always feel it's a huge privilege to be there, and be able to vote. I'm not a huge hanger-on-er, but always good to be in the same room and have as much right to be involved as people like Peter Gow who were so instrumental to keeping the club going.

I really appreciate the people who ask the questions each year, like Scott Longmuir and others. Even though Dino is open with answers, these extra questions are critical towards keeping some accountability.

I think what you're seeing is its generally that demographic that have the free time to turn up. Realistically, you should be able to live-stream these things. I'm sure you'd see engagement rocket up if you did.

 

[Art Vandelay]

Yeah I don't know how that would really fit in with the Monty Porter Stand. I can see it goes out on to the footpath airspace.... I doubt we have any right to the footpath, but could probably negotiate the airspace with council. But it doesn't seem to me like it would deliver enough extra room unless you eat into the stand area.

Lyall Gorman got us the Premiership, but with the CoE he reminded me a little of a monorail salesman

a town (club) with money IS a lot like a mule with a spinning wheel!

 

[Six Again]

I think what you're seeing is its generally that demographic that have the free time to turn up. Realistically, you should be able to live-stream these things. I'm sure you'd see engagement rocket up if you did.

But no free beer !!

More importantly , it would be more formal & structured , a lot of what is shared currently at these meetings would not be shared online , questions & interjections would be moderated & interpreted by a third person such as an IT staff member . Example was during COVID.