Cronulla Sharks CEO Admits Major Roster Overhaul Inevitable as Half of Squad Off-Contract
Cronulla Sharks CEO Dino Mezzatesta has openly acknowledged that the club faces an inevitable and significant roster shake-up by the end of the year, with little ability to prevent key players from departing. The Sharks have half of their 30-man squad coming off contract in 2024, marking the most substantial overhaul since Craig Fitzgibbon took over as head coach in 2022.
Key Players Facing Contract Uncertainty
Captain Cameron McInnes leads a prominent list of players whose futures are in doubt, alongside Braden Uele, Jesse Ramien, Sione Katoa, Siosifa Talakai, Toby Rudolf, and Will Kennedy. Cronulla is desperate to maintain as much stability as possible, especially after reaching the preliminary finals in the last two seasons, which has been a critical advantage for the team.
However, Mezzatesta is realistic about the challenges ahead. "Our intent will be we'll try and get as many done as possible ... but I think we're realists as well. We're not going to be able to fit everyone in the roster," he stated. "It's going to be hard on the money terms alone, let alone wanting to keep everyone."
Increased Competition from NRL Expansion
The CEO highlighted that the introduction of new teams, such as the Perth Bears and PNG Chiefs, will intensify competition for players, making it even more difficult for the Sharks to retain their entire squad. "With the opportunities that are out there, the Perth Bears coming in, the PNG Chiefs, there is going to be so much competition," Mezzatesta explained. "It's going to be inevitable. We won't keep everyone. It just won't work."
Mezzatesta emphasized the importance of honesty and transparency in managing player negotiations, aiming to make early decisions to benefit the athletes. He noted that the close-knit nature of the squad might help mitigate potential disruptions, but acknowledged that players like McInnes, Rudolf, and Talakai have already discussed the possibility of moving elsewhere.
Specific Player Situations Highlight Challenges
Will Kennedy's one-year extension for 2026 was only finalized after the previous season, underscoring the ongoing contract complexities. Mezzatesta pointed to Talakai as a prime example of the dilemmas facing the club. "He's someone we'd love to keep," he said. "But he's a really good example of if he gets some decent dollars thrown at him and longer tenure with an extended contract, why would we stand in his way?"
The CEO added that Talakai has attracted interest from the Bears, and if he receives a lucrative offer, the Sharks would likely grant him a release. "He's done a job for us and at the end of the day we need to do a job for him and grant him that release, if he so asked for it," Mezzatesta remarked.
Focus on Youth Development and Future Planning
Mezzatesta also stressed the need to look ahead, suggesting that younger players in the ranks will have opportunities to step up. "It's also probably a message for the younger boys coming through, they need to know they're going to have their chance as well," he said. "So it's probably time we started looking at who is coming through the ranks."
This period is shaping up as a defining year for the Cronulla Sharks, with financial constraints and expansion pressures forcing tough decisions. While the club hopes to retain core talent, Mezzatesta's candid admissions signal that significant changes are on the horizon, potentially altering the team's dynamics as they aim to build on recent successes.
