Netball Australia stands by Hancock Prospecting sponsorship despite player backlash

Netball Australia has said it is an “absolute priority” to address and resolve any concerns raised by Diamonds players amid a backlash over a new sponsorship partnership with Hancock Prospecting.

But the cash-strapped organisation will not turn its back on Gina Rinehart’s mining company and reinforced its support for the multimillion-dollar deal announced last month.

The partnership has caused controversy, with Indigenous player Donnell Wallam reported to have raised concerns over Hancock’s record on Indigenous issues.

The Diamonds appeared in two recent Constellation Cup games in New Zealand without Hancock’s logo on their uniforms, prompting speculation the players had sided with Wallam and staged a boycott, plunging the sport into a crisis.

The playing group are yet to speak publicly on the matter – the captain, Liz Watson, will address the media on Tuesday morning – but Netball Australia (NA) refuted any on-court protest had been made and reinforced its support for what what it labelled a “groundbreaking” partnership.

Talks with the playing group are ongoing, but NA conceded the matter remains unresolved ahead of the final two matches of the Constellation Cup on home soil.

“Since becoming aware of cultural sensitivities raised by a Diamonds squad member in respect of the Hancock sponsorship uniform logo placement, Netball Australia and Hancock Prospecting have been working tirelessly to acknowledge and recognise the sensitivities, to further understand the concerns of that squad member and to provide avenues for support,” the statement said.

“Hancock Prospecting met with the Origin Australian Diamonds leadership group the day after the concerns were raised to extend its support and commitment to Netball Australia and