The first competition to be sponsored was the Challenge Cup in 1980 when the Rugby Football League (RFL) signed a five-year deal with State Express.
Like the JJB deal, Tetley's also had the naming rights to the Super League Playoffs and Grand Final.
The deal lasted six years, and included the naming rights to Super League, playoffs and Grand Final.
In 2012 the Super League signed a unique three-year deal with Stobart Group, with the option to opt out after 12 months.
No cash was invoked in the deal but Super League players and logo was advertised on 100 Stobart lorries across the country.
Super League clubs and players criticised the RFL for turning down a cash deal from a betting company and after the 2012 season the RFL activated to opt out clause in the contract, despite TV audiences rising 45% and match day attendance's reaching record highs.
The Cooperative Group began its long association with rugby leagues lower divisions with the NCL in 1997, signing an 11-year deal for the title sponsorship.
Kingstone Press Cider began their association with rugby league by sponsoring all four divisions of the NCL signing a five-year deal for the naming rights.
In 1980 the RFL signed their first sponsorship deal with cigarette brand State Express 555 for the naming rights of the Challenge Cup.
In 2002 after the long term Silk Cut deal ended, the RFL were quick to find a new title sponsor for their flagship cup competition.
The RFL were qui to find a new title sponsor and did so with Tetley's Bitter continuing their long-term association with rugby league by signing a two-year deal.