Melbourne Storm and NSW State Of Origin rugby league star Ryan Papenhuyzen has teamed up with Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW) in an ambassadorial role which will see the reigning Clive Churchill Medal winner promote the industry's racing and rehoming initiatives.
Papenhuyzen, who has been an owner in the sport previously, will be the face of promotion around GRNSW's signature event, the TAB Million Dollar Chase, and also have a role working with GRNSW's rehoming arm, Greyhounds As Pets.
"Ryan Papenhuyzen is one of the most recognisable and marketable sportsmen, not only in NSW, but along the entire Eastern seaboard, and to have someone like Ryan join GRNSW in this role is a tremendous coup," GRNSW Chief Executive Officer Tony Mestrov said.
"But what attracted us to Ryan was that he has a real affinity with greyhounds, and it was very clear early on that this was more than just a commercial partnership for him, he really bought in to what we are doing.
"It will be exciting to work with him during our major racing events such as the TAB Million Dollar Chase next year, but like the team at GRNSW, Ryan realises the importance of welfare for our dogs, and he's very keen to work with Greyhounds As Pets in promoting that side of our industry."
Papenhuyzen, originally from Kellyville in Sydney, raced the dog Gary's Gift with family members and enjoyed some success, before also dabbling in syndicate ownership. He says his past involvement and passion for the sport and the breed makes the partnership a "great fit."
"For me, a partnership with Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW) is a really great fit," the Melbourne Storm fullback said.
"It isn't simply about me putting my name to a product. Greyhound racing is a sport I love and know very well, and I have actually been a participant, through ownership of a few racing dogs.
"My mates and I have always loved following the dogs, and I know that's the case for a lot of footy fans. There is a real parallel between the two sports, and that's another reason why I think this partnership is perfect for me.
"But what also impresses me about this partnership is my association with Greyhounds As Pets.
"While GRNSW has been doing some outstanding work raising the stature of the sport with their feature races and everything they do on the racetrack, I think it's also important to create more awareness about the work they have done in recent years on the welfare front, particularly with rehoming through Greyhounds As Pets.
"While I got a lot of enjoyment racing my greyhound Gary's Gift, and celebrating each of his wins, what truly made me happy was seeing him find a loving home when his racing days were over.
"Seeing him find a new home as a pet was as satisfying as winning any race, and I am keen to work with GAP to promote the work they do, so that more people can experience what wonderful animals and pets greyhounds are."
Papenhuyzen was to be the face of the TAB Million Dollar Chase which was to be staged during August and September this year, but last week the event had to be postponed until 2022.
"I know like so many major events in 2021, GRNSW were forced to postpone their showcase race, the Million Dollar Chase until next year, but already I'm excited about the opportunity to be involved with promoting the event when it comes around in April," Papenhuyzen said.
"It's an event that has captured the imagination of the sport, and attracted a new younger crowd, and putting my participant's hat on for a moment, like everyone I'd love to have a dog good enough one day to have a shot at winning the world's richest greyhound race."
