LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
The Cronulla Sharks are prepared to advocate for themselves with the NRL if a recent turn of events presents the Panthers with an advantage in the finals. If Brisbane loses to second-placed Melbourne on Thursday, and the Sharks secure a victory over Canterbury on Saturday night, they would finish fourth on the ladder and gain the right to host either the second or third week of the playoffs.
Traditionally, Allianz Stadium is the Sharks' home ground; however, due to a drainage issue resulting in the closure of the $828 million venue, they would be forced to host any home finals at either CommBank Stadium or Accor Stadium after the first playoff week.
The newly constructed Allianz Stadium has faced numerous issues since its reopening less than three years ago, particularly regarding its playing surface. Players frequently criticize the ground's inability to manage heavy rainfall, which has created pools of water on the field.
Recently, Roosters players even described the surface as 'slippery' and 'not too crash hot' before their match against the Bulldogs. Moreover, Allianz Stadium is set to be closed for 10 weeks after a charity event on September 15 to address a faulty drainage layer, making it unavailable as an NRL finals venue.
The repairs need to be completed in time for rapper Kendrick Lamar's concert on December 10, thus preventing the Sharks from hosting a finals game in weeks two or three at their usual venue. Instead, they are being directed to CommBank Stadium or Accor Stadium for these potential matches.
Neither of these alternative venues is particularly advantageous for the Sharks, especially if matched against four-time defending champions Penrith. The Panthers have hosted their games at CommBank this year while renovations are underway at Penrith Park and have celebrated victories in their last three Grand Finals at Accor Stadium, which could undermine any home field advantage for Cronulla.
While the Sharks' management has begrudgingly accepted the situation, AAP reports they plan to request from the NRL an exemption to host any potential matchup against Penrith at Shark Park if needed in weeks two or three of the finals. They believe that a finals match against Penrith at either of the western Sydney venues would place them at a significant disadvantage against the reigning champions.