Dragons announce major sponsor

The St George-Illawarra Dragons have this afternoon announced St George Bank will be their major sponsor for the 2004 National Rugby League season.

The deal will extend for a further three seasons after that, concluding at the end of 2007.

The newly named St George Bank Dragons launched details of their new sponsor and jersey at a special function at the St George Bank head office at Kogarah today, just nine days before the club's 2004 season-opener against the Raiders at Oki Jubilee Stadium on Sunday week.

St George-Illawarra Chief Executive Peter Doust said he was thrilled the partnership between St.George Bank and the Dragons had evolved to Major Sponsorship level.

"Given their standing as a major publicly listed company, we are extremely proud to have them as our Major Sponsor," Doust said.

"I believe the four-year term reflects our joint desire to take this partnership into the future."

St.George Bank have been Sleeve Sponsor of St George Dragons firstly and then the St George-Illawarra Dragons since 1996, and prior to that, the Bank had been a long-term supporter of the St George Football Club, stretching back to the 1970s.

"We've had such a long association with the St George Illawarra Dragons that being the Major Sponsor seems such a natural fit," St.George Bank Group Executive, Personal Customers, Andrew Thorburn said at today's announcement.

"We share a long history, our colours and emblems are similar ? but most importantly, even with our roots firmly implanted in our immediate community, our future extends much further beyond."