The reigning NRL premiers confirmed the appointment on Wednesday, in light of Keogh’s resignation after copping an 18-month good behaviour bond for possessing a prohibited drug.

Keogh stood down from the board on Tuesday after pleading guilty in a Sydney court to cocaine possession having been searched in a Woolloomooloo licenced premise earlier this month.

Mezzatesta, who has been a Sharks board member for the past four years and has vast business, strategy and leadership experience, was excited by the opportunity.

“I am looking forward to continuing the great work of our Club,” he said.

“We have an incredibly capable and dedicated Board and Management Team and I am honoured to have been chosen to lead our Club into the next chapter.”

Shark Group CEO Lyall Gorman added: “While our Club has achieved many great things over the past few years there is still so much to do as we continue the journey to be the number one Club in the NRL.

“A key part of this journey is stability and unity across all levels of our business. The swift action of the Board in appointing Dino as Chairman last night is a very important part of this process.”