It's impossible to imagine Illawarra without coalmining or without rugby league, so Illawarra Coal’s sponsorship of the code in the district is a perfect marriage.
The company yesterday announced a naming-rights deal worth $450,000 over the next three years which will offer a sense of security to clubs, players and fans.
Anyone who has been involved with sporting groups at a local level would know the importance of stable and ongoing sponsorship to cover increasing costs of facilities, equipment, staff, travel - the list is endless.
The region has a long and proud history of talented footballers who have come through the ranks of junior competition right through to the big time of the NRL.
Just last year we celebrated 100 proud years of rugby league competition.
Think rugby league and the Illawarra and great names immediately spring to mind - Graeme Langlands, Paul McGregor, Steve Roach, Rod Wishart, Craig Fitzgibbon, Trent Barrett and Bob Fulton.
Illawarra Coal’s sponsorship will help develop young players who are talented enough to follow in those famous footsteps.
It will also allow those who just want to enjoy a game with their mates to continue to do so.
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