In a landmark move blending sport, community, and corporate vision, building materials giant James Hardie has been unveiled as the naming rights partner of Australia’s largest rugby league facility.
Located in Western Sydney, the newly named James Hardie Centre of Excellence and Community Centre marks a significant chapter in the evolution of sports infrastructure and inclusive community engagement.
The partnership with the Parramatta Eels signals a return to form for James Hardie, which served as the club’s major sponsor during its golden years from 1981 to 1995. According to Eels CEO Jim Sarantinos, the renewed alliance represents “a new era of impact—on and off the field.”
The facility stands out as a national first—offering mirrored high-performance training environments for both men’s and women’s rugby league programs. This commitment to gender equity and elite development reflects James Hardie’s “One Hardie” philosophy, centred on inclusion, opportunity, and community upliftment.
James Hardie’s Asia-Pacific President John Arneil highlighted the company’s long-standing connection to the region, with over 250 employees based at its nearby Rosehill site.
“This partnership strengthens our local roots and exemplifies our support for both high-performance sport and grassroots engagement,” he said.
Beyond elite sports, the centre will host grassroots initiatives, educational programs, and community events, embedding itself into the social and economic fabric of one of Australia’s fastest-growing regions.
Marketing Director Adele Gordon described the investment as “a strategic step in long-term brand growth and meaningful local engagement.”
With over $20 billion in infrastructure development underway in Parramatta, this collaboration sets a powerful precedent for how corporate partnerships can go beyond traditional sponsorship—driving inclusion, performance, and regional development in equal measure.
