Major sponsor walks out on Wests Tigers after ‘disrespectful’ treatment
The Wests Tigers have been dealt a significant blow ahead of the 2024 NRL season after a major sponsor walked out on the club.
NRL
Don't miss out on the headlines from NRL. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The Wests Tigers have suffered a significant blow ahead of their first official game of 2024 with a major sponsor walking out on the club following “disrespectful” treatment.
News Corp revealed on the weekend that FAB Industrial Logistics — an import and export specialist company — will no longer be the Tigers’ back-of-jersey or sleeve sponsor.
The only place to watch every game of every round LIVE with no ad-breaks during play is Fox League, available on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial today >
The company poured $800,000 into the club to hold those positions but has pulled its support after interim CEO Shane Richardson raised the idea of putting Allied Express — a direct competitor of FAB Industrial Logistics — on the Tigers’ jersey too.
It was a kick in the guts to FAB Industrial Logistics’ managing director Neil Fabry, who “blew up about it” according to Phil Rothfield on Sky Sports Radio’s Big Sports Breakfast.
“It’s been a tough couple of years for the club but I put in more money last year — my family’s money — when the club was struggling,” Fabry told News Corp after informing the Tigers on Friday of his decision to pull his sponsorship.
“Then I sat down with Shane Richardson and I was told that they wanted to put one of my competitors on the jersey as well.
“He said to me, ‘If you love the club, you’ll let it happen’.
“I’m sorry, but I’m not going to be treated this way.
“It was so disrespectful.
“I have a contract that says I’m exclusive in my area of business. I told him (Richardson), ‘There’s not a chance you can use a rival. If you put them on, take me off, and stick it up your a**e. I’m not going to be part of it and I’m not going to be dictated to’.
“None of this happened when (former CEO) Justin Pascoe was here.
“I still love the club but I don’t like the people in charge.”
Richardson was approached by News Corp for a response and claimed that the Tigers were willing to respect Fabry’s wishes.
“We did ask him about putting another sponsor on the strip but he said it was a conflict. So we told him we wouldn’t do it. He knows that,” Richardson said.
FAB Industrial Logistics is a family-owned company, which Fabry has had great individual success through including being named Australian Young Entrepreneur of the Year in manufacturing, wholesale and distribution for 2023.
It comes as Rothfield shared he has “great doubts” another major sponsor of the Tigers, Bryden’s Lawyers, will continue its relationship with the club beyond this season after the axing of former club chairman Lee Hagipantelis.
“Their roster needs work and obviously their commercial department needs work because you can’t be in danger of losing your two biggest sponsors on the back of two wooden spoons,” he said.
“It’s very difficult to attract corporate support at the best of times.”
Originally published as Major sponsor walks out on Wests Tigers after ‘disrespectful’ treatment
Emotional Mate Ma’a, ferocious Tonga rocks Kangaroos
Inspired by an intense Mate Ma’a challenge, Tonga is taking the game to Australia in the early stages, scoring first in the Pacific Championships final at CommBank Stadium. FOLLOW LIVE.
Revenge tour complete: Jillaroos demolish Kiwi Ferns in final
The Jillaroos have completed their revenge tour over the Kiwi Ferns on the back of a defensive masterclass to win back the Pacific Championships trophy they lost last year.