Squadron Energy ends Dragons partnership leaving club hunting new major sponsor

[u/waxedmerkin]

https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport%2Fnrl%2Fsquadron-energy-ends-dragons-partnership-leaving-club-hunting-new-major-sponsor%2Fnews-story%2F311925f6359ccd8f30ccaf7a088b494d

[u/bumpacius]

The proposed off shore wind farm was kiboshed with a blanket scare campaign by some local NIMBY lunatics, so Twiggy and co have decided there's no need to throw money away building goodwill

[u/Ace_Larrakin → u/bumpacius]

a blanket scare campaign by some local NIMBY lunatics

Not the point, but God I'm sick to death of NIMBYs. Drive me round the bloody bend.

[u/waxedmerkin → u/Ace_Larrakin]

To be fair, if its good enough for a wind farm of the coast of Wollongong, its good enough to be off the coast of Bondi.

[u/BoogerSugar00 → u/waxedmerkin]

Not really, Wollongong has Port Kembla which would make it a lot easier to get the turbines etc set up, has good winds, and there is significant energy demand through the steelworks etc.

[u/King_Dribbler → u/BoogerSugar00]

Also Bondi doesn't have a steel mill either, which was a major beneficiary of said wind farm

[u/StanleytheSteeler → u/BoogerSugar00]

What are the energy demands of the eastern suburbs of Sydney?

[u/RikkiTrix → u/StanleytheSteeler]

Mostly runs on cocaine at off peak times 

[u/toomuchsoup]

Dunno why, but the phrase “top brass” is annoying

[u/lovesadonut → u/toomuchsoup]

Sounds exactly like something bottom brass would say

[u/Uosdwis_Dewoh]

Good, now lets never speak of the Sqaudron Energy era ever again

[u/StillerzGuinzChooks]

Just slap The Gamesmen on the front to match with that great ‘The Couchmen’ banner in the crowd

[u/waxedmerkin]

St George Illawarra are on the lookout for a new major sponsor after their three-year, $1.2 million-a-season deal with Squadron Energy ends at the end of this month.

The renewable energy company will step away after 2026, leaving a vacancy on the front of the Dragons’ NRL and NRLW jerseys.

Squadron Energy replaced long-term sponsor St George Bank, leaving the Dragons to seek just their fourth major sponsor in almost three decades.

The Dragons top brass have made it clear they have no plans to short-change their premium front-of-jersey space.

It comes at an important time for the Dragons, who are trying to turn around their results under Dean Young while revamping how the club does business.

Under CEO Tim Watsford and recruitment manager Daniel Anderson, the Red V has added Keaon Koloamatangi, Scott Drinkwater, Luke Metcalf, Kodi Nikorima, Connor Watson and Phil Sami ahead of 2027, giving the fanbase plenty of optimism.

The 2026 season was one to forget, with the NRL and NRLW teams finishing with a wooden spoon, but the Dragons believe the famous Red V, a nationwide supporter base, and strong ties to southern Sydney, the Illawarra and regional NSW will remain a strong draw for potential sponsors.

The club’s top brass remain confident they can secure a deal, with jersey production deadlines looming ahead of the Christmas rush.

The club says it will take its time to find the right fit rather than rushing to put another name on the jersey.

Squadron Energy first sat on the back of the Dragons jersey in 2024 before moving front and centre over the past two seasons.

Billionaire mining magnate Andrew “Twiggy” Forrest owns the company and the original sponsorship was initiated by former 2GB radio host and Dragons tragic Chris O’Keefe in 2023.

Squadron Energy drew attention this year when it gave up its jersey branding for Indigenous Round, making way for artwork by teenage Indigenous artist Kooriaani Dunn to take centre stage.

[u/corupio]

If only there was a bank, with a dragon logo that could sponsor them, match made in heaven I reckon.

[u/robopirateninjasaur]

Chickos or Computer Town Australia, thanks

[u/predw → u/robopirateninjasaur]

Windang rooooad a-Windang

[u/Storm_LFC_Cowboys → u/robopirateninjasaur]

Chickos is shit

[u/worstusername_sofar → u/Storm_LFC_Cowboys]

You are hereby banned from the Illawarra

[u/No_Pay_5330]

Squadron energy found crying in the corner when dragons win the premiership next year

[u/Shinobi2325]

Brother's Kebabs Tempe please

[u/skru666]

can happy dragon make a comeback

[u/ill0gitech → u/skru666]

I doubt Westpac are going to spend money on that brand

[u/Mr_Mac]

We'll trade you one James Hardie.

[u/robopirateninjasaur → u/Mr_Mac]

More asbestos! More asbestos!

[u/a_BIG_willie]

I’M HAPPY FOR HAPPY

[u/jellyBeanToes345]

What are Penfolds or Kaiser Stuhl doing these days?

[u/NewRaider]

Trip a deal c'mon down.