QRL and Westpac announce major partnership

Author: Michael Hillier QRL Media
Timestamp: Tue 19 Sep 2023, 12:47 PM

Queensland Rugby League is pleased to announce a new three-year partnership with Westpac that will support all levels of the game, from community clubs through to the Queensland Maroons.

The partnership builds on the commitment from both the QRL and Westpac to provide equal opportunities in the men’s and women’s game.

From 2024, Westpac will become front of jersey sponsor for the Queensland Maroons men and shoulder sponsor for the Harvey Norman Queensland Maroons women.

In addition to strengthening the QRL’s elite State of Origin programs, the new deal will support grassroots clubs and young female athletes involved in the Future Maroons Academy.

Queensland Rugby League chief executive officer Ben Ikin and Westpac’s group executive of customer and corporate relations Carolyn McCann spoke passionately about the benefits the new alliance will bring during today’s launch at Kayo Stadium.

“We are thrilled to welcome Westpac to the Queensland Rugby League family at such an exciting time for the game in our state,” Ikin said.

“Community rugby league participation numbers are up, we’ve witnessed another enthralling finals series in our statewide competitions, and our Queensland Maroons are building something special following series wins in the men’s and women’s Origins.

“This partnership with Westpac will only add to that momentum, as they share our passion for supporting communities right across Queensland.”

McCann said Westpac had a long and proud history in Queensland.

“Our first branch opened in Brisbane in 1850, and we’ve been helping keep Queenslanders safe through our partnership with the choppers for more than 45 years,” McCann said.

“But this partnership is about the future, and I’m so excited about the opportunity to work with QRL to support even more communities right across the state.

“We’re proud to be one of the biggest supporters of female participation in sport in Australia.

“We’ll continue to grow both the men’s and women’s game in Queensland through this partnership, whether it’s at the grassroots level, female pathways programs, or at State of Origin. We can’t wait to get started.”

Westpac will donate $5000 to the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Services in Queensland for every Maroons try scored by both the men’s and women’s teams during the 2024 State of Origin series.

Queensland Maroons players Ben Hunt and Ali Brigginshaw added further star power to today’s announcement.

Brigginshaw said the partnership was another significant step forward for women’s rugby league.

“I often reflect on how far the game has come since my time playing junior footy against the boys in Ipswich, and it’s inspiring to be able to lead our state while knowing that Westpac are right behind the team and the women’s Future Maroons Academy,” Brigginshaw said.