Dragons linked to giant deal with Andrew ‘Twiggy’ Forrest

A struggling NRL club is set for a massive financial boost from Australia’s second-richest person, Andrew ‘Twiggy’ Forrest.

Executive Chairman Andrew Forrest speaks at the Fortescue AGM. Picture: SoCo Studios

The St George Illawarra Dragons are set for a massive financial boost with Australia’s second-richest person, Andrew ‘Twiggy’ Forrest, set to sign on as a major club sponsor.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, the billionaire mining magnate is close to inking a $1.2m-per-year deal for his energy company Squadron Energy to become the Dragons’ front-of-shirt sponsor from 2025.

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The publication reports Squadron Energy will likely become the club’s back-of-jersey sponsor for 2024 before upgrading to the front of the jersey the following season.

The Dragons could have a new look on the front of their jersey in coming years.

That would occur once the club’s agreement with current principal partner St George Bank ends.

Forrest was valued at $33.29 billion on the Financial Review 2023 Rich List, putting him behind Gina Rinehart as Australia’s most wealthy individual.

Forrest has invested extensively in rugby union in Australia, particularly the Western Force in his home city of Perth.

But the looming Dragons deal would represent his first move into rugby league and would be among the most significant in the code’s history.

Originally published as Dragons linked to giant deal with Andrew ‘Twiggy’ Forrest