Newcastle Knights kick off new partnership with nib

The Hunter's flagship sporting team will be known as the nib Newcastle Knights following today's historic sponsorship announcement.

The new three-year sponsorship will see nib health funds (nib) become the Principal and naming rights partner of the nib Newcastle Knights, with the company's logo moving to the prominent front of jersey position.

The Hunter-based national health insurer will also maintain its status as the longest continuous supporter of the region's iconic sporting club.

"This is a milestone moment for the Club,” Knights CEO Matt Gidley said.

"As we embark on our 30th year in the NRL competition, to have a sponsor with such an iconic Newcastle heritage and long standing association with the Knights become the Principal partner is terrific news for our future success.

"nib is renowned for its exceptional service and world class health insurance and has been part of the fabric in the Newcastle community for more than 60 years.

"I'm sure the players, members and supporters will be extremely proud to have a business that was built right here in the Hunter as our number one sponsor for the next three seasons."

nib Group Executive, Australian Residents Health Insurance, Rhod McKensey, said the health fund was proud to extend its commitment to the Knights in its 30th anniversary season.

"We’ve been a corporate supporter of the Newcastle Knights since day one and have maintained a strong partnership ever since," Mr McKensey said.

"An important element in our overall brand strategy, the Knights sponsorship provides nib with exceptional brand exposure across the traditional rugby league heartlands of New South Wales and Queensland, as well as Victoria," he added.

According to Mr McKensey brand sponsorships such as the Knights have played an integral role in the ongoing customer growth and expansion of nib beyond the Hunter.

"For more than a decade we have sustained above industry growth in a very competitive industry. While the Hunter remains our heartland, much of this growth has been in new markets with brand exposure playing an integral role in this success. We are excited that our new front of jersey sponsorship of the Knights will play a significant role in maintaining our strong growth customer performance," he added.

nib customers to benefit from sponsorship

As part of today’s announcement, Mr McKensey also revealed that nib customers will also benefit from the new, upgraded partnership offering them a 30 per cent ticket discount on tickets to Newcastle Knights home games in 2017*.

"We want our customers to join in the 30th anniversary celebrations this year which is why we're excited to announce a 30 per cent ticket discount for all nib customers to enjoy Knights home games during the season," Mr McKensey said.

"Like the Knights we are a Hunter born and bred organisation and we have many customers who are also supporters of the club. It’s great that with the help of the Knights we can make it more affordable for our customers and their families to watch their NRL club play live this coming season."

*Note: nib customers will be able to access the ticket offer via the Newcastle Knights website in line with home game ticket sales commencing in February 2017, the offer applies to full-priced tickets and terms and conditions will apply.