Peter V’landys has opened up on the possibility of an Australian takeover the Betfred Super League ahead of rugby league’s Las Vegas showcase.
Reigning champions Wigan Warriors and Warrington Wolves will kick off the four-match slate at Allegiant Stadium on March 1, which includes NRL sides Canberra Raiders facing New Zealand Warriors and Penrith Panthers taking on Cronulla Sharks.
It is a sign of increasing collaboration between the Northern and Southern Hemisphere competitions and ARL Commission (ARLC) boss V’landys stated they be open to buying Super League providing the desire was there on this side of the world.
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“Never say never – that’s if they want us” V’landys said, as reported by Australia’s Daily Telegraph. “The first thing is there’s always two people to an agreement if they want us, we’ll certainly look at it.
“I don’t want to breach any confidentiality, but it’s important for us that the game in the United Kingdom is strong. At the moment, it’s got its challenges.
“I’m not being critical of them because they do a great job, but rugby league has to be strong in England, and we’re developing a relationship already by having Warrington and Wigan in Vegas.
“We’ll certainly have discussions with Super League to see how we can assist in the future.”
Given the parlous nature of the British game’s finances, it is difficult to imagine there would not be interest in investment from Australia, where the NRL recently announced record revenue of £376.36million and a £31.48million operating profit.
The mood for revolution is seemingly in the air as well following reports earlier this month a majority of Super League clubs are aiming to overthrow RFL chairman Simon Johnson and replace him with Nigel Wood, the governing body’s former chief executive.
Wood is a controversial figure in the British game himself, given his previous tenure ended in acrimony.
Perhaps, however, the thinking is he would be well-placed to lead negotiations with his Australian counterparts given he had previously collaborated across borders in both his RFL role and 18 years involved with the Rugby League International Federation, now International Rugby League.
V’landys hailed the importance of the international game as well, which is being showcased in Vegas too as England’s women take on reigning champions Australia for the first time since 2017.
However, V’landys stressed no approach had yet been made to the ARLC from these shores.
“If they approached us, we’d certainly look at it,” V’landys said.
“At this stage they haven’t approached us, but we’re a firm believer in having a strong game in England and we’re a firm believer in the international game
“You can’t have an international game without England.”
