Budget Direct announced as Dolphins’ Principal Partner

Author: Dolphins Media
Timestamp: Mon 10 Nov 2025, 08:54 AM

Budget Direct and the Dolphins have significantly expanded their partnership with the launch of the insurance leader as the club’s Principal Partner for 2026.

Budget Direct is most famous for being Australia’s most award-winning general insurer, but as a sponsor that has shown unprecedented support for the Dolphins during its first three seasons, they are a perfect fit, to now take over as Principal sponsors.

In a landmark deal, Budget Direct will feature on the premium front position of the 2026 jersey, while also continuing to with their sleeves branding on the Dolphins’ playing kit.

Max Plath and Tom Gilbert in 2026 playing kit

Crucially Budget Direct will not only assume the many other aspects that a Principal sponsorship category encompasses but also become the naming-rights partner for the Dolphins’ extensive community-based Game Development program.

The Dolphins’ Game Development operation has coached and mentored more than 50,000 male and female players at over 750 schools and clubs in the past year.

Budget Direct’s Chief Growth Officer Jonathan Kerr said this was a big moment for the organisation.

“We are truly proud and honoured to become the Dolphins Principal partner,” he said.

“The Dolphins’ journey since their launch is one of the most compelling in Australian sport and they have done it with class, grit and fun, so becoming the Dolphins’ Principal Partner and making this Budget Direct’s largest sponsorship, is a natural next step for us.

“With over 4000 employees across the state it means a lot to us to have a great Queensland team on the field carrying the Budget Direct insignia while also becoming the driving force across the community with the “Budget Direct Dolphins Game Development Program”.

“Supporting the Dolphins at both the grass roots level and in the NRL matters a lot to us all - you can just imagine how excited Dwayne Bennett was when we told him the news.”

Dolphins’ Chief Executive Terry Reader said the expanded deal was the start of an exciting new phase for the club.

“Our relationship with Budget Direct has been both innovative and fun and no doubt that will continue in this new chapter of the agreement,” said Reader.

“It is extremely unique in the NRL to have a sponsor on both the front of the jersey and on the sleeves, but that underlines just how commercially significant this partnership has been for both organisations.

“The way they have intertwined the two brands in their advertising has been powerful and a thrill for our fans.

“We thank Budget Direct for their vision and commitment to the Dolphins and look forward to our players sharing some more laughs with the great Dwayne Bennett.”

Known for its fully-featured cover, industry-challenging prices, and customer-focused service, Budget Direct is the insurance industry’s reigning premiers as winner of Canstar’s, Money Magazine’s and WeMoney’s 2025, Australian Insurer of the Year awards.