After six seasons as the premier major partner, Aramex has decided not to renew its contract with NRL team the Cronulla Sharks.
Since 2021, Aramex branding has been front and centre on the NRL first-grade men’s jerseys of the Sharks team. But come 31 October, the contract will come to an end, leaving Sharks with a vacant premier major partner.
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Aramex has made a significant investment in the Club and rugby league across the Sutherland Shire, including supporting the Sharks NRLW team as front-of-jersey sponsor for its inaugural season in the competition, and a multi-year sponsorship of junior rugby league (JRL), helping to nurture the next generation of players in the region.
Aramex worked with the Sharks to ‘deliver’ numerous VIP and money can’t buy experiences and game-day activations and giveaways for members and fans.
Together, the two organisations have enjoyed success on the field, with the Sharks qualifying for the Finals in five of the six years of the partnership, highlighted by a second-place ladder finish in 2022 and preliminary final appearances in 2024 and 2025.
While away from match day, Aramex have also supported and collaborated with several of the Sharks community partners and initiatives, including Mental Health awareness organisation Find Ya Feet, with Aramex raising and donating $150,000 to the charity.
Aramex’s Oceania regional director, Mark Little said in a statement that he was disappointed that the partnership would not continue.
“As our major sponsorship with the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks ends, we want to extend our heartfelt thank you to the fans, players and coaching team, led by head coach Craig Fitzgibbon, for making this partnership an unparalleled success,” he said.
“It has been an extraordinary privilege to feature on the jersey and to share in the deep passion, pride and loyalty that make this club so unique. Over the past six years, the partnership has delivered exceptional results, strengthened our connection with fans and the wider community, and created many memorable moments along the way.
“While disappointed our official partnership will not continue next season, our affection for the team and its community remains as strong as ever. We are proud of everything we have achieved together and look forward to continuing to support and engage with the broader community.
“We will always be cheering on the Sharks. Up, up!”
In saying farewell, Sharks CEO Dino Mezzatesta expressed the club’s appreciation of Aramex’s long-term support.
“We have shared many lasting memories with Aramex, and they will always be a part of our club’s history and story,” said Mezzatesta.
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In other NRL news, Adidas has continued creeping into the competition by becoming the club’s official apparel partner on a a multi-year deal across the NRL team, elite male and female pathways and academy programs.
Adidas returned to the NRL last year after a short break. The global sportswear giant made its long awaited return via the Sydney Roosters on a four-year deal. Since then, the sports manufacturer has picked up the on-field and performance apparel contracts for the Parramatta Eels and now the Melbourne Storm.
