One of Australia’s richest people, Andrew Forrest, is set to splash his cash in the NRL for the first time with a multimillion-dollar deal to sponsor St George Illawarra.
The club’s long-running deal with St George Bank ends after next season and Forrest’s Squadron Energy will take over as the major sponsor on the front of the Dragons’ jersey.
For the mining magnate known as “Twiggy”, it is his first investment in rugby league after bankrolling the Western Force in rugby union for several years.
According to a report in the Sydney Morning Herald, 2GB radio host Chris O’Keefe, a lifetime Dragons supporter, set up a meeting between the club and Forrest’s executives a couple of months ago and talks have progressed to a point where Squadron is set to come on board.
Forrest’s personal wealth has been estimated at more than $30 billion although the current dollar figure is clouded somewhat by his divorce proceedings with Fortescue Metals being divided with his former wife Nicola.
(Photo by Daniel Carson/Getty Images)
The Dragons’ huge financial injection is a shot in the arm for the club as it looks to rebuild after five straight seasons of missing the playoffs.
They finished 16th last season after sacking coach Anthony Griffin midway through the season with interim Ryan Carr taking over for the rest of the 5-19 campaign.
New coach Shane Flanagan is on the lookout for star recruits and is keen to lure Roosters centre Joey Manu and Warriors prop Addin Fonua-Blake to the club.
Ed Flanders
Roar Rookie
You had to phone home? Not use the internet? You can watch matches on channel 9's app in SA.
Ed Flanders
Roar Rookie
NRL stands zero chance of usurping AFL in this country. Zero.
Tim Buck 3
Roar Rookie
Aussie Rules was played in Sydney well before League began in 1908. League has become the biggest, but the four main football codes are well supported. The Australian Rugby team had a dismal world cup. It's a pity all the AF states don't provide any help.
Tim Buck 3
Roar Rookie
I lived in Adelaide for a year last century and they didn't have any Sydney Rugby League scores so I had to phone home to see how Saints were going. They had VFL and English Soccer but no RL or RU. Then one day there was a Sydney Rugby League story, but it was propaganda. They reported that a Manly and Wests game was abandoned when the crowd rioted forcing the referee to call the game off.
Tony Dargon
Roar Guru
I know mate...just having a laugh :happy:
Robbo
Roar Rookie
Not actually in - just a phrase
mushi
Roar Guru
Not really, the guy already had a history of not paying people when he did the deal. I called it out at the time it was deliberately structured to avoid paying
mushi
Roar Guru
So what do you propose introduce every sport on the planet and have .75 kids per team? It's just social convention, which sure is kind of brain washing but every unconscious action is basically a result of brain washing.
piru
Roar Rookie
He won't be pulling out of The Force - he's the owner, not a sponsor
Bernie
Roar Rookie
sounds like the rum is the sugar replacement Nat.
Tony Dargon
Roar Guru
When do you get out again?
Maxtruck
Roar Rookie
The fly in fly out iron ore is based around Port Headland, a lazy 18 hours drive from Perth.
Robbo
Roar Rookie
I tried that - even ground the stuff to do it - thought that deep down they were laughing at me. Now I'm strictly prison brew
Robbo
Roar Rookie
Oh mylanta......that's bad
Robbo
Roar Rookie
Maybe Twiggy can supply the steaks
Robbo
Roar Rookie
Anything will help - caps are in hand for any show of support
Robbo
Roar Rookie
Apparently she is an extremely compassionate philanthropist
Robbo
Roar Rookie
No sponsor gets them to play better but Twiggy's effort will give the team renewed faith that people believe in the club. All hail Twiggy !!!
Muzz Manyana
Roar Rookie
The fly in fly out thing would really suit them.
Muzz Manyana
Roar Rookie
Panthers- 3b in pokie revenue and god know how much from Hill Song.