Dragons fire up for $1.2m front-of-jersey dash as Squadron Energy flicks the off switch

St George Illawarra Dragons are seeking a replacement Major Partner after Squadron Energy confirmed it will not renew when its three-year sponsorship ends this month.

The main asset for the category is front-of-jersey branding, with the whole agreement reportedly being worth $1.2 million per season.

It is understood the NRL club is seeking at least that figure from a replacement sponsor.

The renewable energy supplier’s departure comes after a disastrous season in which the Dragons finished last in both the NRL and NRLW competitions.

That fact just adds to the challenges facing the club's new commercial team.

The club has undergone big management changes over the past 18 months, including the appointment of CEO, Tim Watsford and a restructuring of its administration.

Former Octagon Australia MD, Simone Errey joined the club as chief commercial officer this year and has been recruiting staff across partnerships, marketing membership.

The loss of Squadron Energy now gives her team a big immediate priority with the 2027 playing jerseys due for release before Christmas.

Squadron is owned by Andrew Forrest's Tattarang Group and joined the Dragons in 2024 with an under-number, jersey spot before replacing St George Bank as Major Partner last year.

The bank had occupied the premium jersey position for more than two decades, giving the Dragons a reputation for unusually long major sponsorships.

Despite its poor on-field results, the Dragons retain considerable commercial value through their large supporter base and geographic reach across southern Sydney, the Illawarra and NSW’s South Coast.

The club's average home attendance increased by almost 10% in 2026 to 13,737, compared with 12,505 last, despite the on-field disappointments.

Squadron's partnership also extended to community and regional programs, particularly in areas where the company had renewable energy projects.

It relinquished its front-of-jersey branding for the Dragons' 2026 Indigenous jersey to give greater prominence to artwork by Indigenous artist, Kooriaani Dunn.

CEO, Rob Wheals said, "We’re grateful to the Dragons for the partnership and proud of the impact we’ve made together."

The Squadron deal will conclude with a regional community program on 26 and 27 October including school visits across southern NSW.

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