Sharks CEO explains frustration at Allianz Stadium final over Shark Park

Cronulla Sharks CEO Dino Mezzatesta has expressed his disappointment over the NRL’s decision to schedule the Sharks’ semi-final clash against the North Queensland Cowboys at Allianz Stadium on Friday night.

The Sharks requested for their final to be held at PointsBet Stadium and cited the scheduling clash between the AFL Preliminary final at the SCG and fears that Sharks fans would find it difficult to travel to Moore Park.

Ultimately, the NRL chose to schedule the final at the 45,500 capacity stadium in Allianz over PointsBet Stadium which holds only 13.500 spectators.

“There’s a real risk that we are going to go to Allianz and we are not going to get the numbers that we want,” Messatesta told SEN 1170.

“It’s purely because of the scheduling and that it will be so hard to get into. I’m also hearing the accommodation is pretty much all booked around the Sydney CBD so even the Cowboys fans are finding it hard.

“History tells us that (spectators) don’t come in their thousands (to Allianz) and that should come into play as well.

“The risk of only getting 15,000 people made perfect sense in my mind that we go to PointsBet Stadium and fill the thing out.

“We would’ve put the sold out sign on the banners last night but it is what it is (and) we now have to ensure that it’s a successful night for Sharks fans.

“I acknowledge the rules but we weren’t going to go down without a fight and we had to ask the question.

“The rulebook is the rulebook but the facts are that if Melbourne had lost last week, they’d be playing at home and that home is AAMI Park.

“The Sydney Roosters get to play at Allianz Stadium which is their home.

“It’s still unclear and there is an advantage to other teams that play out of those stadiums.”

The Sharks have lost their last seven finals matches and have failed to win a final under coach Craig Fitzgibbon’s three seasons in charge.