NRL buys 71-room hotel next to Shark Park after Peter V’landys’ funding promise

On the back of ARLC chairman Peter V’landys’ funding promise to Cronulla, the NRL has made a significant purchase near the suburban stadium.

Peter V’landys vow to keep the Sharks in the Shire has taken even more significance for the ARL Commission after head office revealed they had purchased a 71-room hotel adjacent to Cronulla’s home ground.

The commission confirmed the purchase on Tuesday morning in a move designed to future-proof the code’s financial stability. It comes hot on the heels of V’landys’ declaration at the weekend that he was committed to securing the Sharks’ funding for a centre of excellence and upgrading its home ground.

The commission’s latest investment, which follows their $25 million purchase of Gambaro’s hotel and restaurant in Brisbane last year, means the Sharks take on even more strategic importance for the code given the hotel overlooks Pointsbet Stadium.

The hotel is due to open in October and accommodation will be fully managed and operated by Quest. V’landys has been outspoken in his support for suburban grounds, claiming the code needs to nurture its tribalism.

Peter V'landys has promised more funding for PointsBet Stadium.

He reiterated his commitment to the Sharks and other Sydney clubs, insisting the commission was committed to prosecuting funding for the club with the state government.

Head office now stands to directly benefit from any improvements to the facility given they own the hotel next to the ground as part of a regeneration of the area which is close to completion.

As well as the hotel, the area around Pointsbet Stadium will accommodate shopping centres, cafes, bars and restaurants.

The commission’s fresh purchase comes as the game prepares to ramp up talks over new licensing agreements for the clubs. Cronulla’s future in the competition wasn’t under threat but the commission’s new purchase strengthens their case for survival.

PVL VOWS TO SAVE SHARK PARK

V’landys has vowed to keep the Sharks in the Shire by securing much-needed funding for a centre of excellence and to upgrade the club’s antiquated stadium.

The fired-up ARL Commission chairman said funding for the Sharks was a “priority” for the league, adding that the NRL would never desert rugby league in the suburbs.

V’landys added that the Sharks were a victim of a previous NSW government that failed to deliver on promised funding to the southern Sydney NRL club.

“The game is built on suburban rugby league,” V’landys said.

“Our game lives and breathes from the tribalism that exists within our suburban communities.

“We’re going to continue to prosecute funding for the Sharks with the government.

“The previous government promised it, even right before the election (May, 2022), but never delivered.

Peter V’landys has promised to upgrade Shark Park. Picture: Richard Dobson

“It’s a priority. We secured ($150 million in) funding for St George-Illawarra, we got Parramatta, we got the Bulldogs and the only one that missed out was Cronulla.

“So we’re going to be pushing it.

“We’re going to fix-up Shark Park (PointsBet Stadium) and we’re going to get a centre of excellence. That’s a priority for us.’’

Just over 13,000 fans crammed into Cronulla’s PointsBet Stadium at Woolooware on Saturday night for an elimination final against the Roosters.

The NRL were lambasted by some fans who felt it were ludicrous that the blockbuster wasn’t shifted to a larger stadium in Sydney, including Allianz Stadium at Moore Park or CommBank Stadium at Parramatta.

Just over 13,000 crammed in to see the Sharks face the Roosters. Pictures: Jeremy Ng/Getty Images

Sharks captain Wade Graham entered the debate by pointing the finger back at the state government: “I understand the argument, and it’s unfortunate (that people miss out), but we’re in a position where everyone has earned a home semi so we deserve it as well.

“The government should throw some funding at the Sharks to update that facility because the infrastructure there now with the new development needs a new stadium to sit side-by-side with it.

“They’ve looked after everyone else so they need to throw a little down the Sharks’ way.”

V’landys said the NRL would be sticking to their suburban ground strategy for week one of the finals in the future.

“People can scream, yell and carry on, but that’s the reward for working so hard during the season,’’ V’landys said.

Sharks captain pointed the finger at the NSW state government in calling for an upgrade to Shark Park. Picture: Richard Dobson

“The club deserved the right to select where they wanted to play.

“It’s also about tribalism. This final series shows that we believe in that. Our communities, our suburban heartlands, that’s what makes our game so special.

“Tribalism and escapism are the two words I have on my wall.

“And when you think about the Sharks and what they contribute to the greater growth of the game, the Sharks are one of the fastest growing junior areas, for both boys and girls.

“It’s so important we invest in it.’’

Originally published as NRL buys 71-room hotel next to Shark Park after Peter V’landys’ funding promise