When the old Cronulla Leagues Club closed its doors back in December 2019 it was heralded as the start of a new era for the southern Sydney NRL club.
Club legend Paul Gallen had just retired and work was slated to commence soon after on a multi-million-dollar redevelopment that would see the home of the Sharks ‘transformed into a facility set to be the envy of all NRL clubs’.
Alas, as any Sharks fan will tell you, it’s proven to be anything but with more than five years of debate and delays seeing the prized Woolooware Bay site stuck in a state of limbo—even more embarrassing given it sits directly adjacent to the NRL club’s home ground, Sharks Stadium.
However, this week has delivered some good news in the Shire with Sharks Group CEO Dino Mezzatesta and Chairman Steve Mace announcing the club has finally regained control of the site after reaching an agreement with Woolooware Bay Town Centre developers, Novm.
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“This has been a long and complex journey, but today marks a defining moment,” Mace told a meeting of Sharks members on Tuesday night.
“It’s no secret this project has faced almost every challenge imaginable, from COVID disruptions to cost escalations.
“However, what has mattered most is how we’ve responded with grit, unity and an unwavering focus on the end goal.
Mace and Mezzatesta confirmed Xenia Constructions will lead the rebuild which is expected to take 12-15 months, with the Sharks hopeful of an opening date in the second half of 2026 NRL season.
While news of the leagues club redevelopment has been generally well received by members, questions remain about the capacity and condition of the Cronulla Sharks home ground that sits beside it on Captain Cook Drive.
“Any plans to increase stadium’s capacity?” commented @irl_sumo on X.
“Love a full stadium of 3,000 people,” posted @trenthampshire.
The design of the new Cronulla Leagues Club includes a sweeping open air deck overlooking the ground.
At tonight's Members Information Evening, Sharks Group CEO Dino Mezzatesta and Chairman Steve Mace announced the Sharks have been handed back control of their Sharks Leagues Club site at Woolooware Bay. Xenia Constructions will lead the build and fit-out.https://t.co/b6FNfXEsqS
— Cronulla Sharks (@cronullasharks) July 8, 2025