By Patrick Avenell

Hisense has confirmed it is retaining a sponsorship association with the Cronulla Sharks rugby league team, though its branding has moved from the shirtfront to the top-back of the famous sky blue, black and white jersey.

Hisense’s continued sponsorship of the Sharks was first reported by Current.com.au in late February.

Andre Iannuzzi, the head of marketing at Hisense Australia, took this announcement as an opportunity to talk up Hisense’s 3-year in-home replacement warranty.

“In ongoing research of the Australian market, after sales service continues to be a key driver in consumer purchasing decisions, ahead of brand loyalty — this provides a unique approach for us to focus and provide increased value to the consumer with our industry leading in-home replacement warranty for our television products,” he said.

“By continuing to focus on innovative products and outstanding after sales service we predict that together with our major sponsorship investment with the Cronulla Sharks and Hisense Arena in Melbourne the year ahead looks stronger than ever.”

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The Sharkies have enjoyed a good start to the season, winning two of their opening four games. One of those losses was in Golden Point to the Wests Tigers, in which a refereeing mistake cost the Shire team the 2 points.

Cronulla Sharks commercial manager Peter Beaumont expressed delight at this agreement.

 “We are thrilled Hisense has agreed to again come on board as one of our major partners,” he said. “They have been great supporters of the club over the past two seasons and from our point of view the renewal of their sponsorship for the next two years, considering Hisense is a highly respected company, is an extremely positive endorsement of the Sharks brand.”

In honour of this announcement here are two Shark-related videos: