An approach over the NRL taking a stake in the Betfred Super League is in the process of being finalised, Rugby League Commercial’s (RLC) Rhodri Jones has confirmed.
Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) chair Peter V’landys made it clear ahead of the Las Vegas matches they were open to getting involved in the sport on these shores, but they would only consider it if asked rather than make the first move themselves.
Speaking at a media briefing on Wednesday, RLC managing director Jones explained a plan had been formed in the weeks since returning from Vegas and that they would be ready to go to the ARLC and NRL soon – although no time scale was specified.
- Huddersfield’s Shay move: Giant steps or grounds for concern?
- George Williams: “If we’re being honest … the NRL do it a lot better than we do over here”
- Subscribe to rugbyleaguehub.com on YouTube
“I think the ball is in the UK game’s court, isn’t it?” Jones said.
“It will come from this building and we need to engage with the NRL on a formal basis.
“That’s one of the things we’ve been working on since Vegas internally, in terms of communication inside the game here and to agree a plan.
“We’ve come to the conclusion of the right approach internally and we now need to go and do that.”
There are other areas of Anglo-Australian cooperation which are being worked on too, particularly around confirming this year’s Kangaroo tour which is still to be officially announced despite being pencilled in for the end of October and November.
Jones confirmed full details were set to be made public on the Sunday following the Las Vegas games, which included England’s women taking on Australia, but ongoing discussions with Australia’s Rugby League Players Association around it have yet to be concluded.
The return of the World Club Challenge in 2026 is another area both Super League and the NRL are eager to arrange, although the venue for it is still to be decided.
This year’s meeting of the respective champions did not take place due to Wigan Warriors and Penrith Panthers being involved in domestic matches at Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium.
“I have spoken to the NRL about the World Club Challenge,” Jones said.
“The intention and desire from both hemispheres is that the World Club Challenge will happen next year.
“The sensible question is: Is it in Vegas?
“The answer to that is I don’t know, but the desire from both hemispheres is the World Club Challenge is back on next year.”
