“We are proud to be returning to the family,” said a Puma spokesperson when the contract was announced. “Our passions and values unite us and we look forward to celebrating many great moments together.”
Warriors chief executive Cameron George praised Puma’s “passion for excellence and innovation”.
But the agreement has ended after two seasons, as the Warriors have linked up with Dynasty Sport.
The New Zealand-based company already has deals with the Manly Sea Eagles, North Queensland Cowboys and Gold Coast Titans in the NRL as well as three Super Rugby franchises. They also supply five NPC teams as well as Manu Samoa and Mate Ma’a Tonga
“They are a local manufacturer, New Zealand-based,” George told the Herald. “They do a good job and we feel that having someone closer to home and all that sort of thing is a really good fit.”
George didn’t want to discuss the reasons for the change but said logistical issues played a part, with Puma’s regional head office based across the Tasman.
“Everyone has been through challenging times in Covid and the ability to drive down the street and sit down with the whole organisation is a great connection to have,” said George.
Dynasty will be the Warriors’ sixth jersey manufacturer across their history.
The Warriors’ inaugural kit supplier in 1995 was Canterbury. They also had Lenco and Nike in the 1990s, before signing with Puma in 2000.
That deal spanned eight seasons, including the 2002 grand final and appearances in the preliminary final in 2003 and 2008.
Canterbury came back on board in 2009 and lasted 13 seasons, highlighted by the trip to the 2011 grand final, until the switch back to Puma ahead of the 2022 campaign.
