PNG Chiefs' Coke deal overlaps Luai's Pepsi

NRL

The PNG Chiefs' Coca-Cola deal includes grassroots support, while Bank South Pacific will deliver financial-literacy education through the club's pathways.

Confirmed Monday, Coca-Cola's sleeve sponsorship runs for the first three seasons and is believed to be worth more than $5 million.

Funding is expected over the next 12 months, before the agreement becomes the NRL's richest sleeve sponsorship.

It will also be Coca-Cola's largest investment among the 10 clubs it already sponsors.

Bank South Pacific has a separate $15 million front-of-jersey deal.

The Chiefs expect greater reliance on sponsorship and want their model to remain sustainable beyond government support.

Jarome Luai will remain Pepsi's face in Papua New Guinea while wearing Coca-Cola branding as a Chief; his Pepsi deal is estimated at $300,000 annually.

Chiefs CEO Lorna McPherson told AAP, "Jarome's deal with Pepsi is an individual endorsement, it has nothing to do with the PNG Chiefs at all.

They can't use the Chiefs' brand."

McPherson said the arrangements have separate contracts and clear rules for each brand.

Luai and Gold Coast prospect Cooper Bai have also signed commercial deals with PNG food company Trukai.

Third-party player endorsements must be organised independently of clubs.

McPherson said global-brand exposure could attract players when the Chiefs enter the open market on November 1.

Menu
LeagueNews.co | Contact Us
All rights are owned by their respective owners
Terms & Conditions of Use