Super League could be subject to a takeover from the NRL with clubs and Rugby League Commercial ‘open’ to investment from the elite competition down under.
That was revealed by RL Commercial Chief Rhodri Jones who told Rugby League Live that the relationship between the competition is as “as strong as it has been”, and that investment could be on the cards.
Talk of NRL investment in Super League has been rife of late and the fact that Wigan Warriors went to secure a Las Vegas game by negotiating directly with the NRL shows the power hierarchy is clear.
It was also claimed by Canterbury Bulldogs General Manager Phil Gould earlier in the year ‘several top owners’ in Super League wanted NRL investment, but he argued that it was a view not held by the “administration”.
Now, it would appear that the ‘administration’ are warming to the idea after Rhodri Jones’ admission to Rugby League Live.
What has been said about the NRL taking over Super League?
Credit: SWpix
Asked about possible NRL investment in Super League, Jones told Rugby League Live: “I can say at this moment in time that the relationship with the NRL is as strong as it has been over the last couple of years.
“That’s because both sides have been proactive in terms of communication. Vegas has certainly helped, they can see we know how to administer a sport and put games on and have clubs that want to be part of big events.
“I think it’s a reflection of where we’ve got to with the NRL but I think there’s still a lot to come, what that looks like isn’t definitive at the minute.”
Jones then revealed that “informal conversations” about potential NRL “involvement” had been held by some Super League clubs, something that the RFL were ‘open’ to.
“We’ve spoken to them (the NRL), but we’re not exclusive to have spoken to them and I know some clubs have had some informal conversations around future NRL involvement in the game and that’s because the clubs have open dialogue. It’s not a secret, but nothing formal has actually taken place yet. There’s an open-mindedness. After that, let’s see what the detail looks like.”
Jones had also confirmed on Sky Sports that Magic Weekend will go ahead in 2025 with Paris and Dublin named as destinations being considered, highlighting that Super League do intend to continue developing and growing the game regardless of any possible NRL involvement.
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Eric T Cat
August 19, 2024 at 9:27 pm
It can’t happen soon enough. The NRL aren’t beholden or intimidated by the RFU. It would be seismic, might take ten years to come to full fruition of their goals and vision, but the RFL have stagnated since the heights of the mid 90s when tour matches would fill Old Traffor, Central Park, Elland Road, etc.