Step Forward for Super League/NRL Deal, But Challenges Remain

Credit: SWPIX.COM

SUPER League chiefs are still waiting to hear what the NRL can offer them, with talk Australian bosses have been squabbling between themselves.

But an approach is expected soon after a ‘wish list’ was thought to have been sent on Monday.

However, that is described as ‘so skeletal’ even though it indicates there is the willingness to do a deal.

Australian Rugby League Commission chief Peter V’Landys publicly laid down a three-month deadline for the sport to hand over ‘full control’ during the 13-a-side code’s week in Las Vegas.

SunSport has been told, however, no detail – how much money they think they can raise and how they will try to do it – has been supplied, despite the email landing.

Now insiders say they believe there have been disagreements at the top Down Under about how to go about it.

And it is understood former Wests Tigers chief executive Shane Richardson, who also held that role at Hull FC, is keen on getting involved.

Talk of the Australians, who boast huge broadcasting deals Down Under while Sky’s contract here is worth only £21.5 million, investing into the top flight here has circled for months.

And V’Landys left those here in no doubt about what he wants if they do, saying: “If we did, we’d want to have total control because their corporate governance model is all clubs, and clubs all have self-interest.

“The way the NRL would do it is we would run the competition and they would benefit. We’ll invest heavily and we believe we can get a much better broadcast revenue.

“The way it is at the moment, it’s heading for a train crash if there’s not some new investment. It’s not going to be an easy road but if they love the game and they want to survive in England, this is their best opportunity.

“We have to do it in the next three months – if we can’t, they’re going to lose that opportunity.”

Rugby Football League senior executive director Nigel Wood is believed to hve held talks with NRL chiefs in Las Vegas.

But despite the public proclamations, bosses here are thought to still be waiting to know how it will work with them, how it will approach commercial and broadcasting firms and how much it believes its way will generate.

One theory over V’Landys’ apparent pressure is a desire to secure a global broadcasting deal with DAZN, who now own Foxtel – which provides much of the £211 million a year it gets from TV companies – in Australia.

It is thought the terms Down Under would get larger as talks over terms from 2028 approach a conclusion.

Eze Chidiebere Paul

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