Media releases
Westpac and Queensland Rugby League announce major partnership backing equal participation in sport
19 September 2023
Westpac is delighted to announce a major new three-year partnership with Queensland Rugby League (QRL) that will see Westpac become front of jersey sponsor for the Queensland Maroons men and shoulder sponsor for the Harvey Norman Queensland Maroons women.
The partnership builds on Westpac’s commitment to providing equal opportunities in both the men’s and women’s game. It will support all levels of the game in Queensland, from grassroots clubs across the state, future pathways for talented young female athletes through the Future Women’s Maroons Academy, and elite level through the State of Origin series.
To further demonstrate Westpac’s commitment to the safety of Queenslanders, Westpac will also donate $5,000 to the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service in Queensland for every Maroons try scored by both the men and women’s teams at the 2024 State of Origin series.
At a partnership announcement today at Kayo Stadium, Maroons stars Ben Hunt & Ali Brigginshaw, Maroons women’s coach Tahnee Norris and Queensland Rugby League CEO Ben Ikin were joined by Westpac’s Group Executive, Customer & Corporate Relations, Carolyn McCann.
“Westpac has 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 rescue helicopters for more than 47 years in the state,” said Westpac’s Carolyn McCann.
“Our partnership with QRL further strengthens our commitment to Queensland and will enable us to connect more customers, communities and clubs with the game across the state, from grassroots to elite level.
“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.”
QRL Chief Executive Ben Ikin said. “We are thrilled to welcome Westpac to the Queensland Rugby League family at such an exciting time for the game in our state. 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.”
Harvey Norman Queensland Maroons captain Ali Brigginshaw said: “This partnership represents 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 Future Women’s Maroons Academy.”
To celebrate this new partnership, from 20 – 23 September 2023, Westpac and Queensland Rugby League will be showing off the new Maroons jersey and both State of Origin shields with current players and former Origin greats at a first-of-its-kind regional roadshow. Fans will be invited to take pictures with both shields and players using a bespoke filter which allows them to try the new jersey on virtually, before it becomes available in December.
Westpac & Queensland Rugby League roadshow dates & venues
- Wednesday 20 September: Westpac Toowoomba, Clifford Gardens Shopping Centre 10 – 11:30am
- Thursday 21 September: Westpac Rockhampton, Stockland Shopping Centre 12 – 2pm
- Friday 22 September: Westpac Mackay, Caneland Central 10 – 11:30 am
- Saturday 23 September: Westpac Townsville, Castletown Shopping Centre 10 – 12pm
The new jersey for the Queensland Maroons will be available in-store in December.
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