James Hardie Announced as Naming Rights Partner of Parramatta Eels’ Centre of Excellence and Community Centre

In a partnership set to define a new era for sport and community in Western Sydney, James Hardie has today been announced as the naming rights sponsor of the world’s largest rugby league facility, now officially titled the James Hardie Centre of Excellence and Community Centre.

The Centre of Excellence is the first gender-equal rugby league training facility in Australia, with all high-performance environments purpose-built and replicated equally for both men's and women's programs.

The announcement further cements the relationship between two organisations with strong roots in Western Sydney and signals a long-term investment in the growth of sport, community, and the local economy.

John Arneil, APAC President at James Hardie, said the partnership is a natural extension of the company’s values and commitment to the region.

“James Hardie has a long and proud history in Western Sydney, and this naming rights investment is a natural extension of our purpose — Building a Better Future for All™.

“The Centre of Excellence is the first gender-equal rugby league facility in Australia, with all training environments replicated for men and women. This aligns perfectly with our One Hardie philosophy, which is all about inclusion, unity, and creating equal opportunities for everyone.

“We’re excited to support both elite athletes and the broader community through this world-class facility.”

More than a high-performance training hub, the James Hardie Centre of Excellence will also serve as a venue for grassroots programs, local events, and educational seminars, reinforcing its role as a central pillar of community engagement in the region.

As a major employer in the region, with over 250 Australian employees based at its Rosehill manufacturing plant, James Hardie invests in the economic and social future of Western Sydney through support for manufacturers, suppliers, and the wider community.

“This partnership with the Parramatta Eels is bigger than sport — it’s about investing in the future of Western Sydney,” added Arneil. “The Centre of Excellence represents a shared commitment to excellence, inclusion, and community, and we’re proud to be part of something that will have a lasting impact both on and off the field.”

Parramatta Eels CEO Jim Sarantinos said this partnership strengthens an iconic relationship with deep historic roots for both organisations.

“Our two brands celebrated the most successful period in Parramatta Eels’ history with James Hardie as major sponsor of the Club from 1981 to 1995. Now, we are reuniting in a new era, with a vision for even greater success — both on the field and in the communities we serve.

“As a Club, we are deeply connected to Western Sydney and its people. Through this partnership, we will work together to create opportunities, empower local communities, and inspire the next generation of athletes and leaders,” said Sarantinos.

With more than $20 billion in infrastructure investment planned for Parramatta over the next five years, the partnership represents an alignment between James Hardie’s brand ambitions and the booming growth of Western Sydney.

James Hardie Marketing and Product Director, APAC, Adele Gordon, said," By aligning with a high-profile, community-driven initiative like the Centre of Excellence, we’re reinforcing our presence and deepening our connection to the community in Western Sydney.

“As naming rights partner, our goal is to grow our brand in a way that’s meaningful — by connecting with the people where we live, work, and play. Western Sydney is the fastest-growing region in the country, and we see this commitment as a strategic investment in long-term brand growth and meaningful impact,” added Gordon. 

About James Hardie

James Hardie is the #1 cladding brand in Australia, producing high-performance building products. Hardie™ products offer long-lasting beauty and endless design possibilities with trusted protection and low maintenance. Australian Made for Australian Homes, James Hardie has proudly provided Australian-made building products to the market for over 100 years. James Hardie operates with an inclusive company culture, and an unwavering commitment to Zero Harm. The company proudly employs a diverse global workforce of more than 5,000 employees across operations in North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific. For more information, visit JamesHardie.com.au.