WOLLONGONG, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 12: Cody Ramsey of the Dragons celebrates with team mates after scoring a try during the round 18 NRL match between the St George Illawarra Dragons and the Canberra Raiders at WIN Stadium on September 12, 2020 in Wollongong, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)
Andrew 'Twiggy' Forrest, a billionaire mining magnate, is set to finalise a multimillion-dollar partnership with the St George Illawarra Dragons.
In what would be Forrest's first steps into rugby league, The Sydney Morning Herald has revealed that the Dragons are set to sign a $1.2m-a-season major sponsorship deal to advertise Squadron Energy on the front of their jersey from the 2025 season.
The business is Forrest's renewable energy company, which he owns.
The publication has reported that the initial meeting between Forrest's representatives and representatives from the Dragons took place a couple of months ago and was brokered by 2GB radio host Chris O'Keefe.
It is understood that since then, the two have developed a strong bond with one another.
With an assessed net worth of $33.29 billion according to the Financial Review 2023 Rich List, Forrest is recognised as the second-richest person in Australia, only behind Gina Rineheart.
The news comes as they will replace long-time partner St George Bank as the club's front-of-jersey sponsor. However, the club is eager to have a relationship with St George Bank in some capacity.
Earlier this year, it was announced that the bank decided to end its 40-year relationship with the club due to concerns about the management of the club, on-field form and player behaviour across the past few years.
“We can confirm that 2024 will be the final season of St George Bank's sponsorship of the St George Illawarra Dragons,” A St George Bank spokesman said to The Daily Telegraph.
"The partnership has been an important sponsorship for the bank, but the time is right to pursue new opportunities for our communities, business and customer priorities."
"We will continue to support the Dragons through 2024 as they assess their future sponsorship arrangements."