St George Illawarra's major sponsor has stated its intentions to stick solid despite the NRL club's name coming under fire during the Jack de Belin saga.
A showdown between the NRL and de Belin awaits next week with the NSW State of Origin back-rower's immediate playing future to be decided in the Federal Court.
After being stood down under the game's new "no fault" rules, de Belin has sought an injunction to allow him to play when the Dragons open their season on Saturday week against North Queensland in Townsville.
The matter will return to court on Thursday.
De Belin's case has been the highest-profile controversy during an off-season marked by negative headlines.
St.George Bank said it had no intention of ending its long-running association with the Dragons and the wider rugby league community.
"With any matters relating to player conduct, it is an issue that must be addressed by the NRL and it is important that we respect the judicial process and don't interfere with legal proceedings," a St.George bank spokeswoman said.
"Last year, we extended our partnership with St George Illawarra Dragons for a further three years.
"This almost four-decade partnership is a proud one that is one of the longest running in Australian sporting history and includes a strong commitment beyond the elite to grassroots rugby league and, most recently, the women's team.
"We look forward to continuing this support."
It came after ARL Commission chairman Peter Beattie used the game's season launch in Bondi on Thursday night to issue a plea to sponsors and promise to clean up the game's image.
"I won't beat around the bush - we're determined to deal with these disciplinary issues," Beattie said.
"And I''ll be saying to (the sponsors) stick with us because the rule change we're bringing in will change the game."
