Non-bank will support rugby league club’s NRL and NRLW teams
In a major boost for the Wests Tigers, non-bank lender Pepper Money has signed a deal to become one of the popular Sydney rugby league club’s official premier partners.
The initial one-year partnership, announced today (Friday, January 13), links Pepper Money to Wests Tigers’ new-look coaching teams, across both the NRL and NRLW competitions.
Wests Tigers management says it’s delighted to welcome the leading non-bank lender as a premier partner.
Pepper Money says the sponsorship will include branding on apparel worn by head coaches Tim Sheens and Brett Kimmorley, as well as their assistants. The non-bank’s logo will also appear on Wests Tigers’ media backdrop and coaches’ box at all Wests Tigers NRL and NRLW home games in 2023.
Wests Tigers CEO Justin Pascoe (pictured above back row third from left) said the Pepper Money partnership is one of several new developments as the club enters a new era.
“We’re thrilled that Pepper Money has chosen to align its brand with our club,” Pascoe said. “This is another positive partnership for our club that comes at an exciting time as we continue to build our business.”
“Pepper Money is the leader in their field, delivering value and opportunity to many Australians that require a real-life approach to lending. Their business has thousands of customers in Sydney’s inner west and south-west, and like Wests Tigers, shares a strong vision for women in sport.
Pascoe said Pepper Money was committed to being part of our club’s journey towards success in 2023.
“I am confident this partnership will be a big success.”
Pepper Money’s Australian and New Zealand CEO, Mario Rehayem (pictured above back row centre) said he was proud and excited to partner with Wests Tigers.
“On behalf of the Pepper Money team, we are delighted to sign with Wests Tigers as their premier partner for both the NRL and NRLW Coaches for the 2023 season,” Rehayem said.
“It is clear we share common values, we are aligned on our objectives, and we are committed to helping people succeed through this partnership with the Wests Tigers.
“Our partnership also aims to provide an opportunity to help educate a broader audience about non-banks and the options and opportunities we can deliver for Australians that get turned down by traditional lenders. We’re thrilled to be a Wests Tigers partner and for what’s to come.
Pepper Money chief human resources officer Sue Kent (pictured above centre) also welcomed the partnership. She said it highlighted the alignment of values towards diversity and inclusion of women: “Pepper Money has a genuine commitment to supporting diversity and inclusion not only on the field – but supporting women to succeed in every aspect of life.”
“When we considered our shared values which focus on diversity and inclusion, teamwork, and cultural community involvement, it was clear this partnership was an important investment,” Kent said.
It has been a busy 12 months for Pepper Money, with major growth in asset finance loan originations as well as becoming the largest electric vehicle lender in Australia and acquiring 65% of leading online direct-to-consumer asset finance broking platform Stratton Finance.
Watch the West Tigers talking about their partnership with Pepper Money
Wests Tigers coach Tim Sheens (pictured above back row second from right) has spoken highly of his assistant coaches during the 2023 pre-season – Benji Marshall, Robbie Farah, David Furner, and Wayne Lambkin.
Sheens said his coaching team was thankful for Pepper Money’s support.
“Our job as coaches is to prepare the players and the team to win football games,” said Sheens. “Through this sponsorship Pepper Money is helping us do that, and we thank them for joining our team.”
Wests Tigers will kick off the 2023 NRL season against Gold Coast Titans on Sunday, March 5, 2023, at Sydney’s Leichhardt Oval.
The terms of Pepper Money’s sponsorship have not been disclosed.
