By Chris Kennedy - NRL.com National Correspondent

St.George Bank and St George Illawarra Dragons have marked 40 years of support by extending their naming rights partnership to 2019.

St.George Bank is to embark on its 40th year as a partner with the St George Illawarra Dragons, one of the longest-running commitments in NRL history.

The four-decade partnership includes a strong commitment to grassroots football and a rich history as part of Southern Sydney and the Illawarra's fabric, the Dragons stated.

"As long as I can remember St George have been partnered with St.George Bank and it's such an iconic duo because we're both so big in the community, especially around this Kogarah area," Dragons forward Jacob Host said at the Kogarah St.George branch on Tuesday afternoon.

"It's been a very long relationship as well and it's something all the players and I think everyone associates the Dragons with St.George Bank."

Dragons CEO Peter Doust said the partnership had had an enduring influence on rugby league across the region.

"Both organisations are very proud of the partnership and we're excited to see it reach four decades," Doust said.

This article originally appeared on NRL.com