Statement from Bruno Cullen

I have asked Trad McLean to distribute this so everyone is in the picture. After the football last night I had 38 text messages and 11 voice messages, the majority of which came from media outlets.

I appreciate the interest shown by all on the announcement from the Sharks about my possible involvement with them in the near future. However I want everyone to understand my personal position with regard to this. This all happened over a 24-hour period so I am far from across all the issues confronting the Sharks.  Here is a resume of where we are at.

Since my retirement from the Broncos just over two years ago I have been a company director of a few organisations, (Chairman of two). This, while not full time work, obviously occupies quite a deal of time. I will not do anything that prevents me from fulfilling those responsibilities.

I spoke to David Smith from the NRL late yesterday afternoon and he asked could I assist in helping out the Sharks who were struggling somewhat with both human and financial resources. I said I would but advised as per the note above I did have other commitments and couldn’t possibly do anything fulltime.

I need to know exactly where things are with the club and need to do a stocktake (Due Diligence) on the place to see where they are now financially, their cash flow needs for the immediate future, and their human resource capability. David assured me we can get that done quickly and the NRL will give the club its full support in restructuring the organisation and building its financial security.

What I will not do is go into this with my “eyes wide shut” and try and pretend I am some sort of saviour.

I will approach it professionally and in doing that I do not want to make promises I can’t keep or commit to various processes I have not got the capacity time wise to complete.

Early next week I will have further discussions with David, his people at the NRL and of course members of the Sharks Board so we can cover all these issues and agree on how to move forward in a positive way.

I will not be a long-term CEO at the Sharks. When I know fully what is needed to be done I am, provided others want me to do so, willing to commit to an interim role in an effort to stabilise the club.  

That’s it for now. I do not expect to be in a position to discuss anything further for a number of days and would appreciate your understanding of that.