Sharks statement: NSW Government stadium strategy

A delegation from our Club including Chairman Damian Keogh, Deputy Chairman Darren McConnell and Group CEO Lyall Gorman, were invited to meet with Commission Chairman John Grant the NRL today in relation to Government Stadia strategy.

Today's session continues a current round of consultation with a range of key stakeholders and follows on from a recent presentation to ourselves and other Clubs by representatives from Allianz Stadium.

A similar briefing is planned tomorrow with management from ANZ Stadium.

It is of great importance that our club is represented in all of these discussions so that the best interests of our club, our members and all of our stakeholders are put forward.

The meeting today outlined government plans surrounding potential investment in Allianz Stadium and ANZ Stadium in addition to the confirmed construction of a new rectangular 30,000 seat stadium in Parramatta.

Each of the meetings have been designed to seek our input and to ensure that our club is fully up to date with discussions between government and the NRL.

"It has been incumbent on us to engage in these discussions as a major stakeholder in the game and also on behalf of our members and region," Group CEO Lyall Gorman said.

"I want to ensure our members, corporate partners and supporters across the country that we have an absolute commitment to our venue, the Sutherland Shire and to the rich history that has brought us to where we are today.

"Should in the future commercial or other factors be so strong that our club might contemplate taking any games to other venues, I am sure such a decision would not be reached without detailed consideration regarding the best interests of our members and key club stakeholders," Gorman added.