Robert Elstone: Super League needs multi-million pound investment

Super League Chief Executive Robert Elstone believes the competition is in good shape but thinks it may need multi-million pound investment from private equity to take it to the next level.

Elstone, who is coming to the end of his first full year in charge of Super League, spoke at the launch of the play-offs at Old Trafford this week, discussing issues from Thursday night games to the next Magic Weekend destination.

He also talked about sponsorship, and how investment could see Super League improve tenfold.

“The priority is growing the profits,” he told told the PA news agency.

“Short-term that means the Grand Final attendance and it’s also about new sponsors and corporate partners and the next television deal.

“Beyond that, new investment potential could be transformational if it’s brought it in a way that works for the investor and the clubs.

“There is a lot of work ongoing to see if we can find a partner that will help transform the sport.

“Potentially it could be very exciting. We have a duty to look at it and, if we deliver it, it could be fantastic for Super League.”