SHARKS TO PLAY IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA
03.10.08 09:46 Age: 55 min
The Sharks have announced at a press conference conducted on Friday morning at Hindmarsh Stadium in Adelaide that they will play one Telstra Premiership home game in each of the next three seasons in South Australia.
Sharks and Australian coach Ricky Stuart, club CEO Tony Zappia, South Australian Minister for Sport and Recreation Michael Wright and SA Rugby League officials came together today in the ‘Rugby Bar’ at Hindmarsh Stadium to make the announcement.
In addressing the South Australian media Mr Zappia said the club was pleased to be able to bring elite level rugby league back to South Australia and to be playing a role in fostering the game in that state.
"We’re certainly excited about making Adelaide a second home," Mr Zappia said. "It is a real opportunity for fans in South Australia to show their support for rugby league by voting with their feet."
"I am sure Hindmarsh Stadium will showcase both our club and the sport in a positive way to many South Australians, while at the same time the games are sure to attract plenty of interest and numerous interstate visitors."
The first match in the three-year arrangement will see the Sharks take on the North Queensland Cowboys in round six of the 2009 NRL Premiership, a game to be played on the weekend of April 17-20.
In joining Stuart and Zappia at the media conference, Minister Wright also spoke positively about South Australia hosting the Sharks for the next three seasons.
"The State Government is delighted to have secured this arrangement with the Sharks, which is a great opportunity for South Australian sporting fans to see the NRL first hand," Minister Wright said.
"Not only will this be a massive boost for South Australian rugby league fans, it will also show off Adelaide’s world-class Hindmarsh Stadium to a broader sporting audience."
South Australian Rugby League chairman Mark Siaosi said the Sharks playing Telstra Premiership matches at Hindmarsh Stadium will lift the profile of the game in South Australia.
"It will greatly assist local clubs in their endeavours to provide players of all ages with the opportunity to play the sport of rugby league," Mr Siaosi said. "With Channel 9 this year having a direct telecast of State of Origin and the NRL Grand Final, school boys playing in South Australian competitions have seen the game at the elite level – and now they will get the opportunity to see it live at Hindmarsh.
"By committing to three years, the Sharks have proven their desire to help foster the development of the game in South Australia.
As a part of the arrangement the Sharks have also committed to working with SA Rugby League’s Development Unit to conduct coaching clinics and visit local schools.
"NRL coming to Adelaide will be a great shot in the arm for the game in South Australia and the local competition will no doubt begin 2009 with great enthusiasm," Mr Siaosi added.
