Great Barrier Reef News & Updates

Why We Back Local Legends — Our Sponsorships with Brothers Rugby League & AFL Cairns

Jun 18, 2025

At Sunlover Reef Cruises, we don’t just love the reef — we love our region. That’s why we’re proud sponsors of two powerhouses in local sport: Brothers Rugby League and AFL Cairns. These clubs are more than weekend entertainment — they’re the heartbeat of the community, building teamwork, resilience and regional pride from the grassroots up.

Quick answer: why does Sunlover sponsor local Cairns sports clubs?

Because community and reef tourism go hand in hand. Sponsoring clubs like Brothers Rugby League and AFL Cairns helps fund junior training, coaching and facilities for local kids, and it lets us support the same community that welcomes visitors to the reef every day.

Key takeaways

  • Sunlover’s Cairns corporate sponsorships help fund junior training, coaching and facilities at Brothers Rugby League and AFL Cairns.
  • Brothers Rugby League has been undergoing a major multi-million-dollar stadium redevelopment, one of the biggest local sport infrastructure projects in the region.
  • The partnerships bring Sunlover to the sidelines for reef activations, game-day giveaways and community events throughout the season.
  • Supporting local sport and running sustainable reef tours are, for Sunlover, part of the same story — investing in the future of Cairns, on the field and on the water.

Building the next generation

Through our Cairns corporate sponsorships, Sunlover helps young athletes thrive. These partnerships fund junior training, coaching and better facilities, so kids gain confidence and grow into leaders both on and off the field.

A major redevelopment for Brothers Rugby League

Brothers Rugby League has been the site of one of the region’s biggest local sport investments in recent years — a stadium redevelopment worth around $17 million in total, delivered in stages. It’s a milestone project for grassroots rugby league in Far North Queensland, and Sunlover has been proud to back the club through it.

A perfect match

We choose partners who share our values — teamwork, consistency and passion for Far North Queensland. Brothers Rugby League and AFL Cairns embody those values, which is why this sponsorship isn’t just about visibility. It’s about long-term impact.

Connecting reef and region

These local partnerships go hand in hand with our mission on the water. While we support sport onshore, we also promote sustainability and education through our Great Barrier Reef tours. Together, they tell one story about the future of Cairns — a region worth investing in, above and below the waterline.

What to look out for

Throughout the season, keep an eye out for Sunlover at reef activations, game-day giveaways and community events pitch-side. We’ll be the ones with the sunscreen and the loudest cheers.

Why does Sunlover sponsor Brothers Rugby League and AFL Cairns?
Because supporting the local community is part of how Sunlover operates in Cairns. These sponsorships help fund junior training, coaching and facilities, and connect the same community that welcomes reef visitors every day.
What does the sponsorship actually fund?
It helps fund junior training programs, coaching, and improved facilities at both clubs, alongside game-day activations and community events run in partnership with Sunlover.
Is Sunlover involved with AFL Cairns as well as Brothers Rugby League?
Yes — Sunlover sponsors both Brothers Rugby League and AFL Cairns as part of its commitment to Far North Queensland’s local sporting community.
How does supporting local sport connect to Sunlover’s reef tours?
Both are part of investing in the future of Cairns — funding grassroots sport onshore while running sustainable, eco-certified reef tours on the water.

Come cheer on the locals, then join us on the reef

Sunlover is proud to back Far North Queensland both on the field and on the water.

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