NRL powerbrokers are reportedly considering a bold move to buy the English Super League in what is shaping to be a historic investment.
That is according to The Daily Telegraph who are reporting the NRL have begun investigating the ‘financial viability’ of taking over the rival competition.
Should the NRL be successful in its takeover, players could potentially move between competitions and countries within a single season.
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The NRL is also reportedly considering a ‘sister city program that would see each Super League club align with an Australian team to develop players through a feeder system.
News Corp is reporting a third party reported approached NRL bosses regarding the potential purchase of the Super League.
The potential move comes after the NRL flexed their financial muscles and revealed revenue topping $700 million for the first time in 2023.
The NRL‘s total revenue a record $701.1 million, up more than $100m on the previous year with the league recording a $58m profit and a huge increase in assets to $260 million.
NRL bosses have been on a mission this season to expand the game, taking the season opening clash to Las Vegas and England could be next.
Rugby league legend Matty Johns threw his support behind the move whilst speaking on SEN.
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“The rumour I’m hearing, and it’s been mooted a little bit, but it’s getting stronger, is that the NRL are seriously looking to buy the English rugby league,” Johns said.
“(They’ll) move it back to being a winter sport in England, and that way, it broadens the base and adds to the depth of both competitions because players can go over and have guest stints.
“One of the things that really helped the game over there (in the 1980s) was the likes of Peter Sterling, Brett Kenny, Phil Blake and those guys going over there and having those short stints with Wigan and Leeds and Castleford.
“Let’s imagine if the Roosters are faced with the situation of letting Joey Manu go to French rugby or we let him go and have a stint at Castleford. It’s an opportunity for players to really optimise their income while they’re in the game.
“It helps the English game two-fold with the fact that Wigan send their players over for guest stints, but the other thing that helps them is that guys like Jack Welsby (St Helens fullback) can get their NRL fix and come out and prove themselves but still part of the English competition.”
