According to Sky Sports, the NRL are in informal discussions about purchasing a large stake in England’s Super League.
The Super League is the UK’s premier rugby league competition, and the NRL are weighing up a huge sum to buy into the competition.
1170 SEN’s Katie Brown told Andrew Voss this morning that the NRL will be looking at a 75-million-pound investment to claim half-ownership.
“Sky Sports are reporting that the NRL informally have discussed buying a portion, 50% of the Super League, to basically take over ownership,” Brown said on 1170 SEN Breakfast.
“This is huge, the Super League CEO Robert Elstone and also Andrew Abdo, the NRL’s Chief Executive, have informally discussed it, not formally.
“If you are going to take around 50 per cent of it, it’s around 75 million pounds.
“This is a huge call from the NRL if what’s happening does develop into something bigger.”
Voss believes the purchase could open up pathways for Australian and English players to further their development, but is also wary about the Super League “selling their soul” to a different nation.
“I don’t think it’s the be all and end all, rugby union is far more global than rugby league, but it at least opens up the world a little bit to league,” Voss said.
“If you’re a rugby league player that could get on a loan scheme to a Super League club, for a season go over to England, in some type of pathways program which could help develop young players.
“I just think it makes a stronger game on a global scale, I think that’s a positive.
“But, I also have some hesitancies with them selling their soul to Australia, I think they need to maintain their own identity.”
The talks, which are at a very early stage, are expected to continue next week.