JAMES Hardie Australia has announced it will return as the major sponsor of the Parramatta Eels from the start of the 2025 season.
James Hardie had the privilege to be the major sponsor of the Eels during its triumphant 1980’s dynasty through to 1995, and the company is excited to reunite with the legendary club and help its players, members, fans and community win on and off the field.
James Hardie and the Eels are looking to harness the opportunity in Parramatta and Greater Western Sydney by Building a Better Future for All™.
James Hardie has committed to a multi-year partnership beginning from the start of the 2025 season which supports NRL, NRLW, Elite Pathways and community initiatives, including initiating a career pathways program into the construction sector for Greater Western Sydney, home to 2.7 million people and one of the fastest-growing populations in Australia.
“The Parramatta Eels and James Hardie have a deep historic connection, but we also have a shared passion for what this partnership can do for the community. This partnership enables us to drive our brand and activate our purpose of Building a Better Future for All™,” said Aaron Erter, Chief Executive Officer, James Hardie Industries.
“We’re making a commitment to the football team, but we see this as a much greater commitment to Parramatta and Western Sydney. The Eels purpose is to ‘uplift lives, deliver unforgettable moments and bring communities together’, and this matters to James Hardie.”
“James Hardie has been proudly providing Australian Made building products to Sydney and Australia for over 135 years, produced at our manufacturing sites including one in Rosehill, in Western Sydney. Western Sydney, its people and their homes are deeply important to who we are, our future and our purpose, and we’re incredibly excited to have a partner in the Eels that matches that enthusiasm and purpose.”
In agreeing to a multi-year partnership, James Hardie and the Parramatta Eels have also agreed to initiate a career pathway program into construction.
“Building is what we do and supporting the industry to upskill players, members and the community to improve the trade landscape and drive jobs and productivity in the region is something we look forward to exploring with the Eels. We want to be part of the booming region and give back.”
Parramatta Eels CEO, Jim Sarantinos, welcomed the partnership, saying the Club was delighted to strengthen an iconic relationship with deep historic roots for both organisations.
“Eels fans will remember the Club’s previous association with James Hardie as major sponsor from 1981 to 1995, which coincided with the greatest period in the Club’s history,” Mr Sarantinos said.
“The alignment between our two organisations is powerful. As a Club we are deeply connected to Western Sydney and its community, Australia’s third largest economy – a region that James Hardie invests in and supports as a key manufacturer, employer, and supplier.
“In addition to supporting our football programs and social impact outcomes, through this partnership, our Club and James Hardie will work together to expand skills, investment, and entrepreneurship in Western Sydney. We look forward to strengthening our Club’s foundations, providing opportunities for our community, and laying the groundwork for an era of success together
again,” he said.
Image: Pictured left to right: Steve Edge – Eels legend, John Arneil – James Hardie APAC President, Jim Sarantinos – Parramatta Eels CEO, Aaron Erter – James Hardie CEO, Sean McElduff – Parramatta Eels Chairman, Peter Wynn – Eels legend.
