After previously reported NRL interest in buying Super League, it has now been predicted that NRL sides could buy Super League teams in 2025.
That prediction has come from The Daily Telegraph’s Michael Carayannis and Brent Read with the Telegraph being the outlet to first report on NRL interest in buying Super League.
Those reports came back in February with the NRL ‘exploring’ the decision after reportedly being approached by a third party about buying the competition.
NRL legend Matty Johns also spoke on the ‘rumour’, telling SEN’s Joel and Fletch show: “The rumour I’m hearing, and it’s getting stronger, is that the NRL is seriously looking to buy the English Rugby League.
“And that way it broadens the base and it adds to the depth of both competitions because players can go over and have guest stints.”
Johns had a one-season stint with Wigan Warriors in 2001 but should this recent prediction of NRL teams buying Super League clubs come true, then it could become a more regular occurrence.
NRL clubs predicted to buy Super League counterparts
That prediction has come in Caryannis and Read’s column on their 2025 sporting predictions in which they’ve made their Dally M shouts, possible coach sackings and given their thoughts on how the season will play out.
They’ve also predicted “Super League Drama” as they claim calls for NRL intervention and involvement in buying Super League will ‘heat up again’.
The pair write: “Calls continue to grow for the NRL to purchase the struggling Super League competition. That will heat up again.
“NRL clubs will also give serious thought to buying a Super League side so they can form a partnership with where players will be shared between the two competitions.”
Should one NRL club actually buy a Super League team then it could create a race among the other teams to partner off with NRL counterparts.
Warrington Wolves have recently confirmed that they will link up with Penrith Panthers in Las Vegas whilst the Panthers have actually become affiliated with York Knights of the Championship in a ‘Memorandum of Understanding’.
Following Salford’s financial woes in the off-season, it was reported that Super League was being ‘watched’ over by the NRL so it would seem that there are some legs to the constant rumours of a possible NRL buyout.
However, the notion of clubs being bought and then partnering off to share players between the competitions is a new notion that could transform rugby league.
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Jim
January 3, 2025 at 8:01 pm
Just like Vichy the NRL will always be in it for their own interests so let’s not dress it up with ” ..that could transform RL”!
Wiganexpat
January 6, 2025 at 9:56 pm
Whilst that is true make no mistake that the NRL is ambitious, cashed up and breaking all attendance records in Australia. It added a 17th club to the comp 2 years ago and wants to add 3 more by 2030. One of those teams will be in Papua New Guinea whilst a second is likely to be in New Zealand. It has just been given $600m by the Australian government to develop Rugby League in the Pacific region. It is in its second year of a 5 year plan to promote the NRL in America with season opening matches in Vegas every year. If buying Superleague makes financial sense they will do it in a heartbeat.
Eric T Cat
January 4, 2025 at 7:44 am
While the NRL will have the upper hand they aren’t bound by the Establishment bias towards Union that holds back the game. they’ll just ignore it. A consistent set of rules will benefit the sport. I’d prefer to see tge NRL buy out tge whoke game than clubs individually. One seismic change, and move forward!
Wiganexpat
January 6, 2025 at 10:04 pm
If it happened and it is a very big if, they would likely change the entire comp around to suit itself and a global tv deal it is after with Paramount. It would likely want Superleague to switch back to being a winter comp to slot into its closed season. There would likely be player sharing across the two comps. I think that Paramout will be key to any Superleague buy out or Partnership.