Cronulla will host a finals game at PointsBet Stadium if the club secures a top-two finish.
The NRL had contemplated moving the fixture to the new Allianz Stadium, a shift that would result in more fans being able to attend. Due to the ongoing development of “Shark Park”, the capacity is limited to just 11,5000, while Allianz can accommodate 42,500.
The Sharks were keen to stage the game at their traditional home, despite the impact on the bottom line. Craig Fitzgibbon’s team has turned Pointsbet into a fortress, winning eight of its nine home games at the venue this year.
Cronulla and North Queensland are jockeying for second spot after the Panthers secured the minor premiership. The Sharks have an inferior for-and-against but have relatively easy matches to finish the regular season, against Canterbury and Newcastle. The Cowboys face fellow contenders South Sydney and Penrith, although the latter may opt to rest key players before the playoffs.
The Sharks have traditionally played home finals at the old Sydney Football Stadium, having last hosted a playoff game in the Shire in 2008. Club CEO Dino Mezzatesta had urged the NRL to greenlight Pointsbet as a week-one finals venue and has now got his wish.
PointsBet Stadium was earmarked as one of three suburban grounds to share $350 million in funding for venue upgrades before the NSW government reneged on a handshake deal with the NRL to divert the money to flood relief packages.
The Sharks will play at PointsBet Stadium if they secure a top-two finish.Credit:Getty
The public has been invited to an open day at Allianz Stadium on Sunday, which will host its first sporting event when arch rivals the Roosters host the Rabbitohs in a game that could decide if they qualify for the post-season.
More to come
