The Sharks could have been relocated or forced out of the NRL altogether had Peter V’landys not stepped in to ensure the survival of the Cronulla club.
NRL powerbrokers were concerned about the long-term viability of the Sharks in 2018, just two years after they broke through for their maiden premiership. During the week, the
Herald revealed that then-NRL chief executive Todd Greenberg and former chief financial officer Tony Crawford met with Cronulla chairman Dino Mezzatesta and then-CEO Barry Russell in December of that year to ask why the club should remain in the competition.
So strong was the desire among some in the NRL executive to relocate or remove Cronulla from the premiership that the matter was taken to the ARL Commission. Sources with knowledge of the situation said Greenberg and Crawford were leading the push to shift the Sharks just a year after the franchise had celebrated its 50th season in the top flight.
At the time, V’landys had not yet ascended to the chairmanship and had only been a commissioner for a relatively short period. However, the Racing NSW boss felt there was no justification for the move and fought hard to ensure the Sharks remained a part of the NRL in their current guise.
While there were concerns about Cronulla’s financial position at the time, V’landys pointed to the fact it was not dissimilar to that of other clubs, that there were compelling reasons why off-field fortunes could improve and that the Shire outfit had a large and loyal following that should not be lost to rugby league.
Ultimately, his advocacy was key in convincing the other commissioners to retain the Sharks, who are now back in the black financially after turning around a $5.5 million loss.
Had V’landys not intervened, there is every chance the Sharks would have been removed or relocated.
When approached about his role in Cronulla’s survival, V’landys told
The Sun-Herald: “I’m not going to breach boardroom confidentiality, especially given I wasn’t chairman at that particular point in time.”
The decision appears to have paid off. The Sharks continue to be a strong performer on the field, having made the finals for the past six years, while also selling out all of their sponsorship opportunities for $4 million.
However, the board and management have come under fire for their decision to axe coach John Morris on Tuesday. The 300-game player’s contract was terminated as soon as Craig Fitzgibbon’s services were secured from 2022, with Josh Hannay immediately taking over in an interim capacity.
Hannay’s side
endured a heartbreaking 26-22 loss to Newcastle on Friday.
There are 14 Cronulla players off contract, with Chad Townsend technically among them given he has a get-out clause in a deal that does not expire until 2023. The premiership-winning halfback was one of Morris’ strongest supporters and he has until round 13 to decide whether to stay or go.
“To be honest, [the coaching situation] was a tiny bit of a factor, but not the main thing for me,” Townsend said.
“It was never, if Bomber keeps his job, I’ll stay. It was more so what would be the best thing for me and my family. I’m getting towards the back end of my career, I’ve got three young kids at home and my wife.
“I’ve got to put [them] first. I have until round 13, so hopefully we’ll see what happens.”
Townsend said he would speak to Fitzgibbon before deciding his future.
“I love the club, I’ve won a premiership here, debuted here, grown up in the area,” Townsend said.
“I’ve supported the club as a young fella. It would mean a lot to me [to stay], but I’m getting towards the end of my career and will put the family first. I want to assess all my options and make a decision before round 13.”
