St.George Bank and St George Illawarra Dragons have marked 40 years of support by extending their naming rights partnership to 2019.
St.George Bank is to embark on its 40th year as a partner with the St George Illawarra Dragons, one of the longest-running commitments in NRL history.
The four-decade partnership includes a strong commitment to grassroots football and a rich history as part of Southern Sydney and the Illawarra's fabric, the Dragons stated.
"As long as I can remember St George have been partnered with St.George Bank and it's such an iconic duo because we're both so big in the community, especially around this Kogarah area," Dragons forward Jacob Host said at the Kogarah St.George branch on Tuesday afternoon.
"It's been a very long relationship as well and it's something all the players and I think everyone associates the Dragons with St.George Bank."
Dragons CEO Peter Doust said the partnership had had an enduring influence on rugby league across the region.
"Both organisations are very proud of the partnership and we're excited to see it reach four decades," Doust said.
"This remains a significant partnership for us and the code, and demonstrates that such mutually beneficial relationships can be valuable and long-lasting – particularly when they involve shared values of community, family, passion and spirit."
General Manager of St.George Bank Ross Miller welcomed the continuation of the bank's partnership with the Dragons and what it means for families across the region.
"This partnership marks 40 years roaring with the St George Illawarra Dragons and we're proud to back the club and the support it provides to communities and families who love their footy," Miller said.
"Looking back at the long and proud association we have with the club, the story of our bank and footy in St George and the Illawarra go hand in hand.
"Having 'the Dragons' as our local footy team is what inspired us to use a dragon as our icon back in 1970.
"Fast forward four decades later and our partnership now includes the Little Dragons program which sees almost 6500 kids from over 35 clubs take part in the sport.
"We've also been working closely with the Dragons to launch a number of initiatives in 2018 to make it easier to enjoy the sport at a community level."
