Melbourne Storm today revealed their new Major Partner, RedZed Lending Solutions, in front of thousands of fans at the club’s Family Day in Melbourne’s Federation Square.
Storm Chief Executive Officer, Dave Donaghy, said RedZed will occupy the front of the home and away jerseys and training kit for at least the next two seasons.
"The club is very excited to welcome RedZed to the Storm family," Donaghy said.
"Both RedZed and Storm hold similar values in that we are always striving to be the best we can and with a strong commitment to our loyal fans and the Victorian community.
"We were thrilled to have a Victorian-based company in RedZed choose Storm as their first sporting partner in a challenging market."
Dave Donaghy
"There is a genuine excitement in the club heading into the 2020 season. We have a group of new emerging leaders on the field, supporting Cameron and his senior leadership team, and being able to announce RedZed as our Major Partner marks a new era for the Storm."
Donaghy said the club had spoken with a number of interested organisations over the off-season and were confident in finding the right partners to complement the jersey which generates the highest media value of any NRL or AFL team in the country.
The partnership between RedZed and Storm will also extend to off the field with knowledge sharing opportunities for their extensive mortgage broker network across the country.
Since 2006 RedZed has been providing lending solutions for the self-employed, who have often found it to be difficult to have their voices heard through traditional banking systems.
RedZed Managing Director, Evan Dwyer, said there were a number of synergies that were attractive in the partnership with Storm.
"RedZed started as a small business in 2006 in a very challenging and competitive market – much like Storm did when it first played in the NRL some 22 years ago," Dwyer said.
"We have assisted over 6000 self-employed Australians to achieve their business ambitions by funding in excess of $3billion in home and commercial loans. RedZed is passionate about doing more to partner with the more than two million self-employed Australians.
"Partnering with one of the most successful, respected and professional organisations in Australia is a fantastic opportunity for RedZed."
Evan Dwyer RedZed Managing Director
"We know we will reach millions more people through their social and TV audiences across the whole of the east coast.
"We are excited to be growing our business and entering into a new era and we are thrilled about the opportunities this partnership with Storm offers RedZed and our brokers." Dwyer said.
Storm also revealed their leadership team for the 2020 season with one constant – Cameron Smith will lead the team into the season for the 15th consecutive year.
Sandor Earl will join Smith, Dale Finucane, Jesse Bromwich and Kenny Bromwich in the senior leadership group, replacing Will Chambers following his departure to Japan Rugby at the end of the 2019 season.
Joining Christian Welch and Felise Kaufusi in the emerging leadership group is Cameron Munster, Brandon Smith, Ryan Papenhuyzen, Jahrome Hughes and Tui Kamikamica.
"We have some great leaders in this club and stability at the top with Cameron doing what he does best," Bellamy said.
"Dale and Jesse stepped up last year as vice-captains and, along with Kenny, have provided great support for Cameron and leadership around the group.
"Elevating Sandor into the senior leadership group is recognition of the work he has put in around the club on and off the field.
"What is pleasing this year is the number of new players we have in the emerging leadership group. Bringing Munster, Brandon, Paps, Tui and Jahrome into the emerging leadership group shows the depth of leaders we now have at the club."
The Storm leadership group is as follows:
Leadership group
Cameron Smith (Captain), Jesse Bromwich (Vice-captain), Dale Finucane (Vice-captain), Kenny Bromwich, Sandor Earl.
Emerging leaders
Brandon Smith, Cameron Munster, Ryan Papenhuyzen, Jahrome Hughes, Christian Welch, Felise Kaufusi, Tui Kamikamica.
