Bears sign key sponsor

The Central Coast Bears have signed a five-year contract with Mortgage House underpinning their financial strategy as part of their plan to win an NRL Franchise. The contract is said to be one of the most lucrative club sponsorships in rugby league.

Commenting on the deal, Chief Executive Officer of the Bears, Greg Florimo said, “This is a major breakthrough for the Central Coast Bears and our bid for an NRL licence in 2013. We’re able to deliver a premium brand into the game and we don’t even have a licence yet. It shows that a major brand wants to be part of this journey and recognises our ability as a business and the fact we can deliver fantastic opportunities.

“The deal demonstrates how serious the Central Coast is about winning an NRL licence, and Mortgage House’s determination in supporting the bid.” Mr Florimo said. Mortgage House has a long association with rugby league, having sponsored teams including Parramatta, Melbourne and the Roosters.

Asked why the company chose to back a team without even a guarantee of a licence, Mortgage House Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Ken Sayer said, “We’ve been involved in sports sponsorship before but we’ve never been there from ground zero, it has always been established clubs.”

In November the Central Coast Bears will officially open their Erina office in the Fortunity building, launch their membership drive and bring their website online. Fortunity Director, Paul Bolton said the arrangement will involve his company providing business advice and office space to house the Central Coast Bears’ evolving football club operations.

“Rugby league is a passion of many Central Coast residents and we believe it is important that our region is formally represented at rugby league’s top tier, which is the NRL,” said Mr Bolton.

Mr Florimo added, “We have a strategy in place to engage with the Central Coast community and as part of this strategy, we have established our corporate office in the Fortunity building at Erina. We will be rolling out our Foundation Membership Club to individuals and businesses on November 20. The Central Coast Bears are the best thing to happen to rugby league for a long time and it's time for the NRL to stand up to endorse and qualify our bid."

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