When the Brisbane Broncos threw homesick Ben Barba a lifeline twelve months ago, only tormented Sharks supporters would have joked the former Dally-M Medallist would be clad in their team colours one year later.
That is until Wayne Bennett waved his magic wand to make the joke a reality, performing a vanishing act with his own Newcastle coaching contract and Barba’s Brisbane playing days, filling luckless Cronulla fans with renewed optimism.
What lies ahead in the Queenslander’s new three-year deal will determine if the Sharks laugh last or find themselves the laughing stock of an all too familiar contract-ending punchline.
For the ravaged Sharks, is the surprising turn of events worth the risk?
After suffering the most torturous season by any club since South Sydney’s exclusion in 1999, why would Cronulla risk another nail in an already bulging coffin housing an ASADA circus, Todd Carney, two coaches, raunchy Mad-Monday snaps, an echoing Paul Gallen tweet, a fit of road rage and one CEO.
With the redundancy of Steve Noyce amid rumours of soft leadership and the addition of experienced hooker Michael Ennis, Cronulla screamed of a club determined to break free of relocation talk and a wretched 2014.
The Barba deal smells of a hastily organised and ill-informed management decision that actually contradicts earlier efforts promoting stability and growth.
For the fragile Barba his third club in three years sees a return to Sydney’s Sutherland Shire and the source of previous erratic behaviour.
While the Sharks on-field performance should benefit, the sustainability is questionable along with Cronulla’s ability to survive another high profile player meltdown. And despite acting with the best of intensions, the Sharks’ choice of signing should not have been made in isolation.
Already accused of hiding serious Barba allegations under a Bulldog coloured carpet in 2013 and witnessing the Sharks on the brink of extinction, it made sense for the NRL to step in and question the motives of both parties in the quickly arranged deal.
Maybe the accuracy of Paul Gallen’s NRL bashing tweet was masked through poor words covering truths bigger than the initial $50,000 fine. For if David Smith’s concern for player and club welfare extends beyond convenience, then offering guidance to a star player recovering from scars inflicted two clubs ago would’ve topped the list.
Perhaps guidance in the art of Wayne Bennett mind-games could have kept Barba at his preferred Red Hill homebase.
For Bennett didn’t know who he wanted among an oversupply of backline talent when he slipped back into the Broncos saddle, but found out quick enough when Barba took to heart the option to negotiate outside the Broncos bunker.
Had Barba held his nerve and called the coach’s bluff, Bennett would have embraced the former Bulldog knowing he had a man willing to fight for the right, and therein lies the problem ready to bite the Cronulla Sharks.
Neville Neville
Guest
Ennis can say as he pleases, he no doubt has a large chunk of his playing fee invested in a Barba start at Catalans for 2016 season.
Crosscoder
Roar Guru
Muzz.That'll cost you $20,000 fine ,do not pass go ,do not collect $200.
Jason Hosken
Roar Guru
Cheers CrossC - yeah, forgot about the private Shark's fan, quirky bloke, good fella to have in the mix.Onward and upwards.
Muzz
Guest
That's worth an f bomb. Cheers
Crosscoder
Roar Guru
JH Clubs debt earlier this year was about $10m,Debt taken over by a private Shark's fan at more favourable interest rates,and extended period of time to pay. The $45-$50m profit was based on current unit sales,still more to be sold,so this figure could be conservative. Reality is debt will have to be repaid,but as future figures indicate will be well covered.
Crosscoder
Roar Guru
Last I heard 2013/4 $1m thereabouts Muzz.Oh to be a lawyer.
Jason Hosken
Roar Guru
..and what is the clubs debt?
Jason Hosken
Roar Guru
Thanks Crosscoder. Impressive set of numbers. Glad to hear the Sharks will receive an annual income too. The future looks better than bright. Hopefully they can get through the current awkward period without another hit and then kick on.
Muzz
Guest
Out of curiosity, how much were the legal fees?
Crosscoder
Roar Guru
On the 2014 budget,if not for the legal fees re ASADA ,the football club would have been on a break even situation,even without a major jumper sponsor. Residents are expected to move into the residential development in 2016.The money will start coming in prior to that . Approx $45-50m as the club's share of units sales profit will result. Then on completion of the retail development on the eastern side,and est $1m pa rental income will ensure a decent long term cash flow. A refurbished league's club,with new restaurants will provide further cash flow. A "captive"group of residents next door,and retail custom will get more people through the doors. The junior club Cronulla Caringbah are the recipients of a brand new $1m plus club house/parking and field sharing with Cronulla high ,as part of the developer's deal.
Ronald M
Guest
No, I think they will be so much into rebuilding mode that the sharkies will be largely waterproof as far as ASADA goes in 2015. That said, I think that Barba is a reluctant signee at the sharks and if anything of their previous negative atmosphere exists or if the sharks get off to a poor start in 2015 (which is likely given their rebuilding status) then I think that Barba will go into a tailspin.
Organiser
Guest
Cronulla have had a shocking time not just in 2014, but ever since they have been in the comp. Even when they have had good sides, they are always underdogs and sentimental favourites when in the finals. They have always been broke and always run things on a zero budget, and must have had the worst run of incompetent administrators of any club. When does the money come through for the development? That is supposed to fix their financial woes forever. The good thing about 2014 is it can't get any worse. An easy place to start again. Barba was very ordinary at the Broncos, and Cronulla are a team that needs more tries on the field. Their attack has been too popgun for too long. I want to see them put fear into the opposition defence. It is a relief Flanno is back, he is a coach with purpose. Carney may still be there if Flanno wan't rubbed out, as Up Up said. I personally wasn't happy about Ennis for Lichaa with the Bulldogs, given the age difference, and Ennis's ability to give away penalties, but it may be a positive if he can help Barba fire. Given the money Barba is getting, he really has no choice but to perform.
Ronald M
Guest
I agree with that, certainly it will be Barba's last chance. If he stuffs this one up, he is gone.
up up cronulla
Guest
They get 10% of sales!
Pat Malone
Guest
It's not the sharks development
Jason Hosken
Roar Guru
Thanks Cathar - massive project with quick turnaround. Be great for the area let alone footy club. Do you know if Cronulla held onto any units for income purposes or sold the the lot for upfront cash?
Alex L
Roar Rookie
That'd require Gallen to actually be on the pitch more than once in a blue moon.
William Dalton Davis
Roar Rookie
Co captains will be working over the referees all game.
William Dalton Davis
Roar Rookie
Thurston was still marked as a 6 in dally m voting which is why I left him out (case in point thurston won five-eighth of the year)
The eye
Guest
yep,who knows,if it was up to me though,I wouldve spent the 500k on Mbye rather than Ennis..theres a reason the Sharks let Lichaa go too..just not that good..