Cronulla Sharks secure major sponsor for next two seasons

After days of negative headlines, the Sharks can finally celebrate some good news by locking in a major sponsor for the next two seasons.

• Griffin’s verdict: Huge test of Sharks’ bite
• Valued Shark facing unlucky Shire exit

Cronulla Sharks have secured a multimillion-dollar new jersey sponsor to offset the financial strain from their salary cap scandal.

And it’s all thanks to the honesty and integrity of chief executive Barry Russell.

Businessman Don Anderson, a former Sharks board member, has agreed to sponsor the club for at least two years, averting the embarrassment of having to start the season with a cleanskin jersey.

Ace Gutters Durakote Roofing will appear on the front of the jersey when the Sharks launch their premiership campaign against Newcastle Knights in Newcastle on Friday week.

SAINT, SINNER, SHOOSH: Molan promoted to top Nine role

Sharks players Shaun Johnson and Wade Graham in their new sponsored jerseys. Picture: Tracey Nearmy Picture: Tracey Nearmy

“We’ve spoken at length about the club’s image,” Anderson said, “and we’ve been impressed by how Barry and the Sharks have handled the issues.

“As Barry said, ‘let’s get all the skeletons out of the cupboard and move forward’.

“It’s a fresh start and we need the Sharks to promote our business. We run our business honestly and so do the Sharks from here on.

“We’re really proud to be stepping up in their hour of need.”

The club has been fined $750,000 by the NRL for salary cap breaches and for continuing communication with former coach Shane Flanagan while he was suspended in 2014.

The Sharks had been in talks with White Ribbon to put their logo on the front of the jersey before the premiership kick-off.

Barry Russell (far left) and John Morris (far right) have plenty to smile about now they have secured a jersey sponsor for the next two years and happily point it out on Wade Graham and Shaun Johnson’s jerseys. Picture: Tracey Nearmy

Those talks will continue with the domestic violence charity for a sleeve or shorts position in a timely partnership considering the treatment of women is such a big issue in the game.

The Sharks are now in a much healthier financial position.

All corporate suites at Shark Park have sold out and there is a waiting list.

They have slashed costs across the business and are about to collect a $9 million cheque from developers on their Woolooware construction site.

“We now have a great sponsor and the best governance practices,” Russell said.

“It’s been a tough period for the club but we can now move forward.”

The Sharks have already sold more than 14,000 memberships and, despite recent dramas, are on target to break last year’s record