NRL: Sharks to make Taupo 'second home'

The lakeside tourist mecca of Taupo has emerged as a potential offshore "home game" for the Cronulla Sharks National Rugby League (NRL) club.

The Sharks are negotiating with Taupo District Council to play the New Zealand Warriors at Owen Delany Park for the next three years - saving the Auckland-based side a trans-Tasman trip to Toyota Park.

Cronulla chairman Damian Irvine inspected the ground yesterday while NRL chief operating officer Graham Annesley has also assessed the venue.

"We want to think outside the square and they are very enthusiastic about rugby league over here," Irvine said.

"I am confident we can come up with a deal."

Annesley said while the ground required investment to bring it up to NRL standard "there appears to be a strong commitment from all parties to try and make it happen".

Meanwhile, The Daily Telegraph newspaper today reported the Sharks were close to signing a A$600,000 ($738,190) deal to help ease their financial problems after it was revealed last week that the Sharks, Newcastle and Gold Coast required emergency assistance from the NRL to pay their players.

- NZPA