The Sharks'"front office" job is not one for the faint-hearted. But depending on Zappia's response, the club could soon be searching a short list for their fourth CEO in as many seasons.

The new board and millionaire businessmen behind the scenes are desperately trying to distance the club from the controversies that have dogged the Sharks since last month's ABC Four Corners program detailing group sex which painted the club in a poor light,

as they move ahead with plans for the club's redevelopment.

Since the ABC report, Zappia's name resurfaced over his involvement in facial injuries sustained last year by the club's former community liaison officer, Jenny Hall, and a $20,000 payment to her; revelations of the club's debt (more than $10 million); Reni Maitua's positive

drug test; the withdrawal of LG Electronics as the club's major sponsor and the exit of chairman Barry Pierce and five directors from the board, together with Paul Gallen standing down last week as captain over a racial vilification remark.

The Sharks latest round of financial woes have been around since 2005 the last season Sharks Immortal, Steve Rogers, was chief executive of the club.

The body of Rogers, 51, was found on the landing of his unit by his brother-in-law on January 3, 2006. A coroner later ruled Rogers died after mixing prescription drugs and alcohol and that the death was accidental.

Football manager Greg Pierce, eldest son of Sharks chairman Barry Pierce, took over the CEO role, but only for two seasons before he was replaced by Tony Zappia.

Now Zappia, recommended by Cronulla coach, Ricky Stuart, has stood down less than 18 months after taking the job.

The rocky front office has almost been matched by the club's coaching dramas over the past six years.