The Canberra Raiders have announced a sponsorship deal with Chinese telecom giant Huawei, a company which has been banned by the federal government from bidding for contracts in the National Broadband Network (NBN).

The two-year deal sees Huawei become the Raiders major sponsor, with their logo to appear on the front of the Raiders home and away jerseys for the remainder of the 2012 and 2013 seasons.

The deal is a huge boost for the Raiders who have been without a major sponsor so far this season.

“Huawei is a world leader of information and communications technology and to have them associated with the Raiders is a massive boost for the club and our members,” said Raiders chief executive Don Furner.

“Huawei’s partnership with the Raiders is also a massive vote of confidence in the city of Canberra and its people.”

The announcement was made in front of Parliament House less than a week after the company was banned from being involved in the $36 billion NBN.

The ban caused concern it may sour Australia-China relations forcing Primer Minister Julia Gillard to defend her decision.

“We’ve made the decision in the national interest. Any suggestions this is in breach of our trade obligations is simply untrue,” Gillard said on Friday.

Huawei Australia chairman John Lord said the sponsorship would help build the Chinese giant’s brand in Australia.

“This is Huawei’s first major sports-team sponsorship anywhere in the world, and we’re delighted it’s with the Raiders,” he said.

“With Huawei’s 140,000 staff, it’s safe to say that the Raiders have just gained 140,000 new fans around the world.”