The Sharks Should Get to Decide Where Their Finals Game Is Played

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The Cronulla Sharks are preparing for a sudden-death finals clash against the North Queensland Cowboys, but before a ball has even been kicked, the biggest talking point has been where the game is being played.

Cronulla finished fifth and earned the right to host an elimination final.

Instead, their clash with the Cowboys will be played at Allianz Stadium, around 25 kilometres from their home ground. The reason is understandable from the NRL's point of view.

Ocean Protect Stadium has been heavily restricted by construction and currently has a capacity of around 15,000, while Allianz Stadium can accommodate more than 40,000 spectators and provides facilities more suited to a major finals match.

But that doesn't necessarily make the decision right. I think the club should get the final say regarding these kinds of situations.

If the Sharks wanted to play at their home ground, they should have been allowed to just like everyone else.

If they believed moving to Allianz Stadium was better financially, logistically or for their supporters, then they could make that decision themselves.

After all, they earned the right to host the match.

There's an important distinction between the NRL saying "your ground doesn't meet our requirements" and the NRL deciding "therefore, we're taking your home final away."

The first is reasonable. The second takes an important decision that's out of the club's hands.

Home-ground advantage actually means something because finals aren't just another regular-season game.

They're about atmosphere, history and giving teams the reward they've earned over 27 rounds.

Shark Park is where their supporters gather, where generations of fans have watched the Sharks and where the club has built its identity, and earned it's spot for the 2026 finals.

Even Sharks captain Blayke Brailey admitted he was disappointed by the decision, saying he wanted to be playing at their home ground.

And that's the part I struggle with. If a club knowingly accepts the consequences of playing at a smaller venue, potentially meaning fewer tickets and less revenue then why shouldn't it be their choice?

But there is a legitimate argument for Allianz and the NRL isn't completely unreasonable here.

A finals match involving thousands of supporters deserves suitable facilities, security, transport and enough capacity.

Ocean Protect Stadium has been operating with reduced capacity because of ongoing construction, and the NRL has increasingly moved towards larger venues for marquee finals.

There's also the financial argument.

A bigger crowd means more people through the gates, more atmosphere and potentially more money for everyone involved.

But those are exactly the reasons why Cronulla should have been presented with the choice, rather than simply having the choice made for them.

Imagine the Sharks were told:

Your stadium only holds 15,000. You can play there, but you'll sacrifice the extra revenue and capacity of Allianz.

If Cronulla then said: We're staying home. Would that really be so unreasonable?

They earned the home final. They should be allowed to decide whether the benefits of home-ground advantage outweigh the benefits of moving to a bigger stadium.

Cronulla have reportedly been pushing for investment in their home ground for years, while other suburban venues have received significant upgrades.

That's where the real frustration should probably be directed. If the NRL wants finals played at bigger, modern venues, then clubs need access to those facilities.

The Sharks shouldn't be punished because their home ground hasn't received the investment required to make it suitable.

My verdict is I understand why the NRL chose Allianz Stadium. I just don't think they should have had the final word.

Give the club the final choice.

Tell Cronulla exactly what playing at Shark Park would mean ie reduced capacity, fewer tickets, potentially less revenue and whatever other limitations exist.

Then let the Sharks decide.

If they choose Allianz, fair enough.

If they choose Shark Park, that's their call.

Because home-ground advantage should actually mean something.

And if you've earned a home final after 27 rounds, surely the club should get to decide where that final is played.

What do you think; should the Sharks have been allowed to choose?