There is plenty of talk of what IMG should and shouldn’t do at present as they prepare to “re-imagine” rugby league.
They are set to bring back licencing for Super League which has led some to speculate about which clubs stand a better chance of promotion to Super League with reports suggesting that they are keen on London.
Speaking to Serious About Rugby League, former St Helens and Huddersfield Giants star Keith Mason explained why he thinks IMG need to consider London as a rugby league territory.
“I would look at London, they’ve had a team for many years. You look at Redcliffe Dolphins, I played there twice whilst I was there, it’s rugby league place in Queensland,” he said.
“It’s all about structure. You have to have the right structures to bring in the right players. They need to bring London players through and bring some big players into the club.
“London for the scope of the place, 10 million people from there you have more chance of picking up some talented players.
“It could be a real hotbed for rugby league.”
He feels this M62 corridor holds rugby league back and along with the salary cap is part of the allure of playing in the NRL: “I’m not an expert in the financial situation at the minute and we’re in a financial crisis, some people can’t afford to put heating on in their houses.
“Look if the money was similar to Australia, then by all means stay in England but not many people get the chance to go to Australia so you’ve got to go.
“It’s their number one sport, rugby league in England is just like the M62 corridor.
“The money thing, it’s just bigger in Australia. I don’t know what the situation is with the RFL and money but it would make sense to pay these players more money.
“I know some players when they finish, they end up with nothing and it’s not fair.”