Northern Pride, Kenfrost Homes, lock in mega deal to strengthen future of league
The Northern Pride’s extensive work in the community and willingness to engage with it was one of key, underlying reasons behind Kenfrost Homes’ decision to lock in a mega deal to fuel the club into the future.
The Northern Pride’s extensive work in the community and willingness to engage with it was one of key, underlying reasons behind Kenfrost Homes’ decision to commit to another season as the Hostplus Cup club’s naming rights sponsor.
But more than that, is the growth of a mutually beneficial partnership which has unlocked the rugby league club’s ability to connect with the community.
Kenfrost Homes has been a major partner of the Pride for years, and they have locked in another one-year commitment as the club begins its new era.
Garreth Smith is preparing for his third season as chief executive, while former Brothers’ premiership-winning captain-coach Eric Smith is about to begin his first as coach.
Garreth Smith said the strength of the partnership couldn’t be understated.
“You could easily assume it’s another naming rights sponsor but it’s not that; it’s an actual partnership, and a massive investment,” Smith said.
“One that’s probably bigger than a lot of others across the competition.
“Not that it’s more important for us, and the way we’re structured, we’re 100 per cent community owned and we have the benefit of having other financial contributors.
“In particular around Kenfrost being the biggest naming rights sponsor for us is important, but don’t forget there are others there as well who support and get behind that as well.
“We’re incredibly grateful and excited.”
Kenfrost Homes marketing co-ordinator Alex Loughton said the vision implemented by the team led by Garreth Smith in particular over the past few years had instilled plenty of confidence in the organisation’s future.
“We look at it every year in its own right and the progression Garreth Smith has brought to the club, and the addition of the new coach, brings in some fresh ideas, fresh thinking, a new direction, and we’re really excited about what this team is able to provide for the community,” Loughton said.
“We feel this partnership is investing in the local community … all of our business operations are in this community alone.
“We like to give back, but we are investing in this because it provides a pathway for kids to come through and look up to these stars.
“It really provides this healthy pathway, and gives them something to aspire to, and I think that’s really needed in this community.”
Garreth Smith said Kenfrost Homes’ significant support would help in the club’s pursuit of its goal of being a force in the statewide competition.
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“Kenfrost have been incredibly supportive over a number of years now, and have been very supportive of the plan we put in place around making sure we become a competitive force in this competition, and an established pathway for all the kids in our region,” Smith said.
“We’re incredibly grateful for their support but also very excited about bringing people like Eric Smith to our club, Josh Allen and retain players like Rashaun Denny, and likewise provide those opportunities for local guys in this region.”
matthew.mcinerney1@news.com.au
Originally published as Northern Pride, Kenfrost Homes, lock in mega deal to strengthen future of league
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