Shire straits
Despite assurances no Sydney club would be relocated, the NRL is keeping a keen eye on the Sharks as they stumble towards a new season with no chief executive, no licensed club, a borrowed home ground and problems in the playing ranks.
Unfortunately for Cronulla, senior figures at Rugby League Central have long believed the Sharks are more at risk of folding than any other club. It would be a godsend for the NRL as it could replace the Shire club with a second Brisbane team, which would substantially boost the value of the game’s broadcast rights. It could also stage a game at Suncorp Stadium every weekend, leading to a significant increase in attendances and television ratings.
On January 7,
Richard Munro became the fifth CEO to depart the Sharks in seven years. He followed
Bruno Cullen,
Steve Noyce,
Lyall Gorman and
Barry Russell, who have all come and gone since 2013.
Stricken Sharks prop feeling the love as he recovers from surgery
Cronulla fans made it clear on social media they believe the problem lies with the board. There is talk of a clean-out at the upcoming elections.
The problem for the Sharks is they are running out of time. They have closed their licensed club for 18 months while they redevelop the leagues club and have taken the unusual and expensive step of spending millions buying a golf club, which still isn’t open to fans.
The Sharks have opted to play the next two seasons at Kogarah while the renovations are completed, which will undoubtedly lead to lower attendances and revenue. On the field, the Sharks are facing an uphill battle this year after losing a host of talent and experience, including
Paul Gallen,
Matt Prior,
Jayden Brailey and
Kyle Flanagan, among others. They are struggling with their salary cap to the point where there has been talk of offloading leading players.
It all shapes as a perfect storm for a club that has traditionally struggled. The difference this time is the NRL, despite its denials, will grasp any opportunity to take the franchise north.
