Passion, relationships, giving back to the community and trust are key words and phrases as Andrew Hughes talks about his decision to sign on as the Maitland Pickers first grade sponsor for 2020.
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But passion is key.
You are left in no doubt Andrew Hughes is a footy tragic as he recounts his two favourite footy moments.
"Tony Butterfield played one game for NSW and it was that first hit up he did," Hughes says building the tension of the moment.
"It was like nothing was going to get in his way, it was like his whole life he had waited for that moment to catch the ball and throw his body in front of that Queensland defence. He did it with all his might."
The second he shares probably with every long-term Newcastle Knights fan - the epic finish to the 1997 NRL grand final between the Knights and Manly.
"Gary Harley's voice calling the final try, Joey Johns going up the blind side and giving it back inside to Albert. That call, and I was there too, it really sticks out," Hughes recalls with relish.
From leading the push for an Andrew Johns statue at MacDonald Jones Stadium to backing the annual Hunter Valley Mining Rugby League Day which raises up to $90,000 a year for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter, Hughes loves sport and sharing his passion for it through sponsorship of event.
When Matt Lantry took over as the Maitland Pickers coach there was little doubt Hughes and his company A-Plus Contracting would come on board as a sponsor.
Lantry and Hughes have been associated since 2007 when Hughes sponsored the Group 21 competition and the Greta Branxton Colts where Lantry was coaching.
"My relationship with Matty goes back to about 2007, I was the major sponsor of Group 21 and the major sponsor of the Greta Branxton Colts and Matt was the coach, so it goes all the way back there," he said.
"He is the coach of the Newcastle Rebels so I'm the major sponsor of the girls, the under-19s, the emerging Rebels and the first grade side of the Newcastle rep as well.
"I need to believe in the people who are behind anything I sponsor. I really believe in Matt. He will promote juniors, he develops relationships with players from under-16 right through."
Hughes has been able to become personally involved with players including Sam Anderson, Sam Mataora and Brock Lamb, finding them employment through his business.
"There's been rumours going around that Brock Lamb is on a millions dollars to play at the Pickers," Hughes said. "That's not true at all. He is on next to nothing.
"The kid wanted an opportunity to get an apprenticeship and we were able to help him find someone who wanted to take him on.
"And there's been a couple of other boys like that too. Helping them is a great feeling."
Hughes said a Pickers premiership would be the ultimate reward.
"If the Pickers win the grand final and I might even have a beer to celebrate," said Hughes, who has been off the booze for the past year.
"It's been really good to be involved with the Pickers. I live out at Greta Branxton now, it feels like coming home a little bit."