The Parramatta Eels will part ways with major sponsor Pirtek at the end of the season after failing to reach an agreement over the value of the deal.
The Herald understands the Eels have raised their asking price from $1 million to $1.5 million a season, an increase Pirtek didn't deem as a worthwhile investment.
It ends Pirtek's nine-year association as major sponsor, the second longest in the Eels' history behind James Hardie (15 years from 1981-1995).
Pirtek were keen to extend their contract with the western Sydney club for an amount similar to the $1 million-a-season they paid in 2010 as part of a three-year deal that extended through to the end of 2013.
But eyebrows were raised after the club asked for a 50 per cent increase for the front-of-jersey rights, despite finishing 12th, 14th and 16th on the ladder in the years that followed the club's renewed commitment after the 2009 grand final.
The Eels will announce that Pirtek won't be extending their contract beyond the end of this season by the end of the week.
There is a suggestion the Eels demanded such a large sponsorship price as a means to terminate their association with Pirtek because of the tension between the Eels board and Pirtek chief executive, Glenn Duncan.
Duncan resigned from the board in October 2011 after expressing his dismay over the way it handled the financial saga that surrounded former Eels boss Paul Osborne.
The Herald understands new Eels chief executive Ken Edwards tried to resolve the angst between Duncan and the board, but to no avail.
It remains unclear who will take over from Pirtek as the club's major sponsor from next season.
It is understood the Eels are looking at large billion-dollar organisations to affiliate themselves with from next year.
Whether they get the $1.5 million-a-season they asked from Pirtek will depend on the on-field success of the football club.
The Brisbane Broncos, who have the added advantage of playing the majority of their matches on free-to-air television in the prime time Friday night time slot, have a deal with NRMA Insurance believed to be worth $1.2 million a year.
While the NRL's decision to schedule the first 20 rounds will provide the Eels the luxury of some free-to-air matches, regardless of where they finish on the ladder this year, they will need to strike one of the biggest club sponsorship deals in the history of the game to attain their desired figure.
Penrith signed a deal with OAK that was reportedly worth a million dollars a season.
Pirtek are committed to seeing out the final year of their contract with the Eels.
Meanwhile, St George Illawarra utility Bronx Goodwin has a torn pectoral muscle which is expected to sideline him for four months.
The injury is a bitter disappointment for the 29-year-old, who had enjoyed a positive pre-season build-up for this season.
Goodwin was keen to impress and push his claims for a position in the Dragons' side for the annual Charity Shield match against South Sydney at ANZ Stadium on Friday night, the Red and Whites' final trial game before the premiership season starts.
But this latest injury has put paid to those plans.
He underwent scans yesterday afternoon after sustaining the injury in the Dragons' 28-22 loss to North Queensland at Barlow Park in Cairns on Saturday night.
The versatile goalkicking utility back had only been on the field for a matter of minutes during the second quarter.
''It has been confirmed that Bronx Goodwin has torn his pectoral muscle in the Dragons trial against the Cowboys on the weekend,'' Dragons performance director, Andrew Gray, said yesterday.
with MIKE GANDON
Replies
THIS IS THE BEST NEWS IVE HEARD IN YEARS,
GOODBYE DUNCAN........
finally some go forward by the eels
A massive step in the right direction.
A new sponsor that does their job in stead of wanting to interfere in the club and board and pedal vested interests, this is great news.
We are not getting rid of pirtek, they have chosen not to renue their contract, and its great they have told us early, it gives us plenty of time to find a new one, but imo it will be no problem, we will have one by next year that will be willing to put more money in to the club and not meddle in out affairs, its a win win..
couldnt agree more snake!!!! no decision on who should be coach for starters!!!! glen and his desire to help a kiwi mate devalued our Brand and caused a syndrome forever ever to be known as the SK syndrome!!!
many faithfull eels supporters suffered the effect of this syndrome, which included violent reactions, sadness and large mood swings thru ou the year. It caused immense damage to families and i believe divorce rates were much higher with those theat were effected by this killer syndrome. Though no known deaths have been reported from this syndrome the effects will linger on for years in the affected fans and family!
i also here there was many telivion who were casualties of this syndrome, it is tragic to here the owner refused to watch them on game day and some even resorted to throwing there cans of beer at them....oh what a waste of good beer!!!
So farewell you disease causing sponsor, begone with you and never will your name be mentioned in these forums again!!
Time for all the fans to get new supporter gear with the new sponsors name, so the eels can generate more cash from selling merchandise:)
Dazz - at this time of year and until the comp is finished you can find solace @ Dr Meinoz's fine establishment.
Jimmy, barring 1 year our club has been an abysmal failure since Brian smith left, we are talking about 12 odd years, yes the last 3 have been nothing short of a disgrace, i agree, but if we can get a sponsor onboard willing to pay 50% more i say go for it, there has been big talk last year we had a company willing to put in more than pirtek, if this is the case we need to jump at the offer.
the virgin one sounds good
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