NRL's decision to move Cronulla Sharks' finals from Shark Park to Allianz Stadium
Consensus Summary
The NRL has decided to move Cronulla Sharks' elimination final away from their traditional home ground, Shark Park, which has a 15,000-seat capacity, to Allianz Stadium, which opened in 2022. This decision follows years of hosting week-one finals at Shark Park, including in 2022, 2023, and 2025, as noted by both sources. The NRL has stated it will determine the venue after round 27 finishes this Sunday, with the finals schedule set for Friday, September 11, Saturday, September 12, and Sunday, September 13. Cronulla Sharks captain Cameron McInnes has expressed disappointment, arguing that Shark Park should be their home venue, while the NRL has emphasized its discretion in venue selection. The move is seen as a financial decision, as Allianz Stadium can accommodate more fans, benefiting the NRL's gate takings. Both sources agree that Shark Park's suitability for finals has been questioned, though 7NEWS highlights the NRL's past use of Allianz Stadium for finals, including a 2024 semi-final.
✓ Verified by 2+ sources
Key details reported by multiple sources:
- Shark Park has a 15,000-seat capacity
- Allianz Stadium opened in 2022
- Shark Park hosted week-one finals in 2022, 2023, and 2025
- NRL finals schedule includes Friday, September 11; Saturday, September 12; and Sunday, September 13
- NRL will decide Cronulla’s elimination final venue after round 27 finishes this Sunday
Points of Difference
Details reported by only one source:
- Cronulla will host their elimination final against North Queensland at Allianz Stadium on Friday, September 11
- South Sydney will open the finals with a sudden-death clash against Newcastle at Allianz Stadium on Friday, September 11
- Warriors will host Saturday afternoon’s qualifying final against the Dolphins at Go Media Stadium
- Penrith will host the Sydney Roosters at CommBank Stadium on Sunday, September 13
- Shark Park hosted a week-two semi-final at Allianz Stadium in 2024
- Souths had no preference about hosting at Allianz or Accor Stadium, which will serve as their regular home grounds in 2027
- The NRL is opening their finals with an elimination game since 2016
- Cronulla Sharks captain Cameron McInnes wants to play their home elimination final at Shark Park
- Shark Park has been deemed unfit for use in week two or three of the finals
- NRL told clubs in the pre-season it had discretion to determine where finals games were played
- Cronulla Sharks are fifth-placed and guaranteed to host a week-one elimination match against one of South Sydney, North Queensland, or Newcastle
- NRL most recently trialled a change to the kick-off rule in Melbourne's defeat of Brisbane last week
- NRL introduced six-agains, 20/40 kicks, two-point field goals, and captain's challenges since the start of the decade
- Cameron McInnes could be playing his last game at Shark Park against Melbourne this Saturday
Where the reporting differs
Details that conflict, or appear in only some outlets:
- 7NEWS states Shark Park hosted a week-two semi-final at Allianz Stadium in 2024, while ABC does not mention this event
- ABC mentions Shark Park hosted week-one finals in 2022, 2023, and 2025, but 7NEWS only mentions 2024 as a year Shark Park hosted a finals match at Allianz Stadium
- 7NEWS states the NRL is opening their finals with an elimination game since 2016, while ABC does not mention this specific detail
Source Articles
Dilapidated Shark Park dumped for NRL finals against Cronulla’s wish
The NRL laid out its plans early and refused to budge.
Sharks want to play their home NRL finals match at their home ground
Cameron McInnes would not be surprised to see the NRL deny Cronulla a home final at Shark Park, warning players were now used to head office making rule changes "at the drop of a hat".
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