Guildford Coal extends sponsorship

Emerging Queensland mining company Guildford Coal has extended and expanded its sponsorship of the North Queensland Cowboys for season 2013 as the NRL club prepares for another semi-final showdown on Friday night.

The new agreement includes becoming North Queensland’s back of jersey sponsor for the first time, sponsorship of the Cowboys’ coaching staff and membership program, as well as sponsorship of the highly successful annual Laurie Spina Shield under-11 rugby league carnival.

The announcement was made at Dairy Farmers Stadium today by Guildford Coal Chairman Peter Lindsay and North Queensland Cowboys CEO Peter Jourdain.

Co-captain Johnathan Thurston modelled the 2013 Cowboys home jersey featuring the Guildford Coal logo.

Guildford first linked with the Cowboys for the 2012 season, but has stepped up its sponsorship in another positive move for the club, following on from a successful on-field campaign that will continue in a semi-final against Manly on Friday night.

Guildford Coal’s priority projects include a number in the Cowboys’ footprint - the Hughenden and White Mountain Projects in the North Galilee Basin and the Sierra and Springsure Projects in Central Queensland.

The company has another mining project about to commence production in the nation of Mongolia.

Mr Lindsay said building on their partnership with the Cowboys was another step in his company’s growth.

“The Cowboys have a strong community focus which is why Guildford has been prepared to back the team again.

“We’re proud to be have supported the Cowboys through what has been a very exciting 2012 and look forward to building strong community links throughout the North in 2013 and beyond,” Mr Lindsay said.

“These are very exciting times for both Guildford Coal and the Cowboys.

“We have some major projects underway throughout Queensland, especially in the north, and we are growing our involvement with the communities where our business will be focused.”

North Queensland Cowboys CEO Peter Jourdain said Guildford Coal’s increased investment in the Cowboys was very positive news for the club.

“It’s with the support of companies like Guildford Coal that we’re able to continue to build the Cowboys into the type of club we want to be,” Mr Jourdain said.

“They are supporting some of our key programs such as membership and junior football and have a strong focus of working with the local community, as we have.”

Guildford Coal became the Cowboys’ first membership program sponsor late last year and with membership ambassador Tariq Sims leading the way, the Cowboys reached their goal of having 10,000 members on their books for the 2012 season.

Guildford’s support will help the club develop its membership program to provide even more value for those Cowboys fans who sign up as members.

One of the most significant benefits is that North Queensland members will be given first-hand information on employment opportunities that will arise through Guildford’s expansion into the Galilee Basin over the coming years.

This year’s Laurie Spina Shield, presented by Guildford Coal, had a record entry of 64 teams.

Main image: Guildford Coal Chairman Peter Lindsay, Johnathan Thurston and North Queensland Cowboys CEO Peter Jourdain