One of Canberra’s worst kept secrets has been announced today, with foundation sponsor Canberra Milk set to be the Canberra Raiders’ front of jersey sponsor for the 2021 season.
Capitol Chilled Foods have stepped in for what looks likely to be a single season, placing Canberra Milk on the front of the Raiders jersey after Huawei ended their near decade-long sponsorship a month ago.
That decision left the Raiders in a tough spot given their on-field and training clothing needs to be manufactured and imported by November.
“We hit a bad patch there a month ago and they stepped straight up,” Raiders CEO Don Furner said of Capitol Chilled Foods.
“To have two iconic brands back together, back on the front, is fantastic for Canberra and fantastic for us.”
Managing director of Capitol Chilled Foods Australia, Steve Ness, said they were in negotiations to update their sleeve logo when front of jersey came up.
“They approached us and we jumped in straight away,” he said.
“Next year is our 50th anniversary. What better way to celebrate this than by returning our flagship brand Canberra Milk to the front of jersey of Canberra’s premier sporting team.”
With the Raiders “highly likely” to secure a new principal sponsor for season 2022 onward and negotiations with “interested parties already taking place”, the Green Machine’s 2021 ‘’Milk’ merchandise will be coveted.
For the 9,600 lucky fans who pack in to GIO Stadium this weekend for the Green Machine’s home final against the Sharks, the 2021 jerseys couldn’t come fast enough.
The enduring image of Mal Meninga celebrating his 1994 grand final swansong win in his jersey emblazoned with the iconic Canberra Milk logo will be brought back to life 26 years on in a ‘heritage jersey’.
The solid green heritage strip features a nostalgic mid-1990s era solid Canberra Milk logo and is sure to sell out fast when pre-sales open in November.
“I remember this great jumper here,” Raiders coach Ricky Stuart said posturing toward the heritage strip. “I played in it myself.”
“When I heard about the discussions taking place and saw the garment artwork featuring the Canberra Milk logo, it brought a smile to my face. It brings back some great memories.
“We take a lot of pride in the milk, it’s a wonderful slogan that the fans have brought up when supporting us – up the milk.”
The Green Machine’s home and away jumpers both feature solid navy blue across the chest and a current Canberra Milk logo – the colouring a move away from the solid lime green donned by the club since 2002.
