The Cronulla Sharks are just one win away from returning to the NRL grand final for the first time since their maiden premiership in 2016, which would be just their second time in the NRL era.
As they prepare for a crucial clash against reigning premiers Penrith, they have also made a renewed pitch to invest in their future, calling on the NSW government to provide additional funding.
Coming off the back of a controversial finals clash with the Cowboys which was unable to be held at Cronulla's home ground, the Sharks CEO has pleaded with the government to help overhaul PointsBet Stadium and usher in a new era.
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Sharks plead for funding ahead of finals clash
There was outrage earlier this month from Cronulla fans, after the Sharks 'home' final was unable to be played at their stadium due to capacity requirements.
Now, as they prepare for the tall task of taking down the Panthers, their CEO Dino Mezzatesta has pointed at their opponent's new $300m stadium and accused the government of hypocrisy around their lack of funding.
"We are is still the only Sydney club to never receive any funding at all," Mezzatesta said.
"We always seem to be the underdog and we don’t mind that, but we can’t be underdogs when it comes to funding.
"Clearly we have all the effort and dedication that is going in to nurture this game, but we can’t continue without the facility upgrade. It will become a problem at some time.
"The Panthers are going to enjoy a brand new stadium, they already have their Centre of Excellence. They are given $300 million and we can’t even get a dollar.
"The state government thought within their wisdom that they had to get a stadium done, yet we are the second-largest catchment in rugby league and we can’t get a dollar.
"That is my gripe. It shows that everything we do is for the benefit of the community and code, we’re passionate.
"Every Sydney club will be training out of a new revamped Centre of Excellence of some description because they have all been given money."
The Sharks will play the Panthers on Saturday for a spot in the 2024 grand final.
