Holden Wins the Game with Major NRL Deal

MELBOURNE – Jan 31, 2013: For the first time in over 15 years Holden today signed a major sponsorship deal with one of Australia’s major football codes. This multimillion dollar deal with the National Rugby League (NRL) for the next three seasons sees Holden become the official car partner with exclusive naming rights to:

The Holden State of Origin Series between New South Wales and Queensland

The Holden Cup (NRL National Under 20’s Youth Competition)

The Holden National Under 20’s State of Origin Series

The Holden Kangaroos, Australia’s national rugby league team

The Holden One Community Monster Raffle

Mike Devereux, Chairman and Managing Director of Holden said “Holden and the NRL are two iconic Australian brands looking to grow together into the future. This sponsorship is the strongest indication yet that Holden is back, bigger and better than before, with a long term commitment to building and selling cars in Australia, and investing in Australian talent.

“Over the next decade Holden is investing over a billion dollars in our Australian manufacturing future to continue making world class cars and today we have made our first move to substantially enhance our marketing by partnering with the NRL, one of Australia’s top football codes.

“We are very excited about this partnership. It’s exactly what the Holden brand needs to cement our success this year, and into the future,” Mr Devereux said.

Mr Devereux also commented that the sponsorship is a ‘whole of game’ deal which supports some of Australia’s most elite athletes but importantly, also includes assistance to build rugby league at the grass roots level.

“Holden has committed to help rugby league develop in local communities through fundraising opportunities for local clubs and assisting in developing NRL stars of the future through the U20’s competition. The Holden Cup has a fantastic approach to preparing young players for life beyond sport: no work or study – no play.”

In recent years the State of Origin Series has become a regular feature in the Top 5 Free to Air television events of the year and in 2012 State of Origin 3 was the highest rated program nationally (4.03 million viewers).

Mr Devereux said “The Holden State of Origin is the jewel of Australian sport. Amazing game, millions of viewers, interstate rivalry and supreme athleticism. And I’ll be heading to one of Australia’s favourite games in one of Australia’s favourite cars, the new VF Commodore."