By James Phelps
May 23, 2009
Sydney FC has emerged as a shock saviour for besieged Cronulla, with the A-League glamour club to play a trial at Toyota Stadium next month which is expected to net the Sharks a desperately needed $50,000.
And in a further bid to generate more income from the fully owned facility, the Sharks are looking at organising two dance concerts and an outdoor boxing promotion for later this year.
With $700,000 major sponsor LG pulling out in the wake of Reni Maitua's positive drug test, the Sharks need money fast to avoid sinking beneath a $9 million bank debt.
Toyota Stadium is a major feature in the club's survival plan, which will be unveiled in full when NRL boss David Gallop meets the entire board on Monday.
Sharks CEO Tony Zappia hopes the June 27 Sydney FC-North Queensland Fury football fixture will attract 10,000 fans, given it will be former Liverpool star Robbie Fowler's debut on Australian soil.
"We think there will be some traction in playing a meaningful game here," Sydney FC general manager David Mason said.
"When we saw the pre-season draw we thought we would take the North Queensland match to Sutherland following a successful trial match at Seymour Shaw Oval last year.
"Sutherland is the biggest football association in Australia so we thought what a great place to bring a Sydney FC game.
"Toyota Park is the best ground in the area so we have been talking to the Sharks."
Sydney FC have a long term deal with the SFS but the move could see more soccer come to the Sutherland Shire.
"I am not sure if we will bring more games here," Mason said
"It isn't an A-League match but it is a good opportunity to see what sort of reaction we get."
After one of the toughest weeks of his career, Zappia admitted the Sharks would have to think "outside the square" as they fight for survival.