Incoming St Helens coach Kevin Walters has argued that there are no physical differences between Super League and the NRL, labelling the European competition as ‘very strong’ and ‘well-respected’ by those down under.
Walters made those points in an interview with the BBC in which he also made the case for Super League and the NRL to forge a relationship going forward, one that he believes will be beneficial for both competitions.
July saw an offer put to RL Commercial that offered a reported £7 million per year across five years as the NRL look to invest in and help grow Super League, however, it’s believed that offer isn’t suitable to the clubs who want more.
Talk of NRL investment in Super League has been prominent for a long time but to no avail and now another key figure has offered his verdict – current Australia head coach Kevin Walters, who will take charge at St Helens for 2027.
“I don’t think Super League is in need of help. That’s now what I see,” Walters explained to the BBC, however, he was keen to state why he thinks both competitions can help each other.
“I do see a great partnership between the NRL and Super League [and] I feel that will benefit both parties.
“The NRL… reaching out and offering some support, and also possibly some sort of ownership, would be beneficial for the game.”
RIP Sir Billy, under-the-radar challengers, Hull KR’s controversial call and more – Click here to watch this week’s episode of the Serious About Rugby League Show
Only positives if NRL invests in Super League, claims St Helens boss Walters
A major reason behind that belief for Walters is the fact that the NRL have recently secured a seven-year TV deal worth hundreds of millions, whereas Super League have historically struggled with their broadcast deals to the point where there isn’t currently one in place for 2027.
On that broadcast deal, Walters said: “It’s nothing but a positive if the NRL can get involved in Super League. Both competitions will benefit highly.”
Walters lead Australia in the Ashes last year so he has experienced the English game, albeit at the elite level, and when asked about the differences between Super League and the NRL, he explained that it’s not as significant as some make out.
“Physically there’s no gap,” he said, adding: “It’s just possibly a little bit of the speed of the game, but the talent is certainly here. It’s a very strong competition and very well respected in Australia. Ask some of our players how tough those games were…it was a tough series.”
He’s also suggested that England will be strong contenders at the World Cup, explaining: “I’ve watched a lot of World Cups in the last 30 years, and this one will be the most competitive of all…I feel the English side will be as strong as it’s ever been.”
Walters also called on Super League to put forward stronger ‘financial rewards’, something that would require an increased salary cap if they’re to keep their best players, a number of whom have left for the NRL in recent years.
“That will be part of my mantra, to keep our best players here,” he said.
“One of the attractions of the NRL is you know you’re playing against some of the best players in the world. The second one is the financial rewards. I feel like Super League can can lift its numbers financially for player reward…and if [it is] more rewarding here, I think more more players will stay.”
Of course a lift in finances could well be facilitated by NRL investment.
