Just as Cronulla are being mooted as a potential casualty in the relocation debate, their incoming chief executive has outlined plans to ensure they remain a viable long-term proposition in the Sutherland Shire.
The development comes as the club prepares to immediately release forward Ava Seumanufagai to join Leeds, raising the prospect of James Segeyaro rejoining the Sharks.
Richard Munro, currently the CEO of the Accommodation Association of Australia, will officially start as the clubs new group CEO next month. The senior executive is tasked with ensuring the Sharks financial future following a tumultuous period for the club.
Big job: incoming Cronulla Sharks group CEO Richard Munro.Credit:Linkedin
Despite conjecture about their financial position, chairman Dino Mezzatesta has publicly stated the Sharks arent going anywhere. In his first interview, Munroe reiterated that position, believing there is huge upside for a franchise that recently secured $40 million of funding from the development of the precinct around their home ground.
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“Dino made a statement on that a few weeks ago – the Sharks arent going anywhere,” Munroe told the Herald.
“Our focus isnt on moving, its about capitalising on the infrastructure and building works done for the Sharks right now.
“All the talk about financial problems is just talk. Essentially were well funded, weve got a strong club and development ahead of us.
“Im not focused on relocation, Im focused on making our facilities a lot better than what they are now given weve got the development.
“The cranes are in the sky, its being done now. Ive done four hotel openings from scratch and thats what Im going to (focus on here).”
The Sharks recorded a loss for every game they hosted last season. In order to break even, the men in black, white and blue need to attract 16,500 fans. The most they attracted in 2018 was 14,800. The disparity has prompted Mezzatesta to explore the prospect of taking some home games out of the Shire.
“Im looking at all options because Im coming in with a very fresh agenda,” Munro said.
“Everything is on the table as far as Im concerned. Essentially, the Sharks have got a very loyal following. We have to capitalise on that.
“I also think were probably bigger than the Cronulla Shire, its a brand well respected and we should be able to capitalise on that.
“If it means potentially taking that brand to a bigger market, I think we Read More – Source
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