NSWRL Chief Executive David Trodden has thanked health insurance provider nib for their ongoing support in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic that has swept the globe.
The NSWRL made the difficult decision to cancel nine major competitions on Friday on the advice of government and health authorities who are trying to stop the spread of coronavirus.
“It was an extremely tough call to cancel our competitions but it was important for our organisation to be part of the solution to this pandemic that has had such a terrible impact across the world,” Trodden said.
“We appreciate that nib is standing by the NSWRL during this difficult time and we welcome their involvement when the healing process begins and we can get back to playing footy.”
nib Group Managing Director Mark Fitzgibbon said their organisation was conscious of the role they could play in helping sports get back on their feet, having been involved with the NSWRL since 2008.
“As we’ve seen rapidly unfold, COVID-19 is having a very material and devastating impact on sport, not only in Australia but right around the world, from grassroots and social activities to elite sport,” Fitzgibbon said.
“We’re particularly mindful of its impact on those employed in the sporting sector and the millions of Australians, who like me love to watch sport and support their local team.
“As a major supporter of many sporting organisations in Australia and New Zealand, nib is cognisant of the important role corporate sponsorships play in ensuring the ongoing commercial viability of many national sporting organisations.
“In the coming weeks and months ahead we will look to work with our sponsorship partners to better understand the impact of COVID-19 on their business, with the hope that this quickly passes.”