English view: The driving force behind V’Landys’ Super League interest

As the NRL continues to negotiate a deal to invest in the Super League, UK journalist Matthew Shaw has given insight into what might have Peter V'Landys interested in the competition.

A partnership deal between the two biggest Rugby League competitions has been brewing for some time.

But despite the constant conversations, no agreement had been reached with the ARLC Chairman, setting a deadline of June before the NRL pulls away from any investment.

In the latest news surrounding the deal, John Davidson reported that the NRL was prepared to offer 250 million pounds ($483 million AUD) over five years. It is unclear whether this would be enough for the NRL to take 'total control' as V'Landys wants.

This is with the idea that the money provided will help improve the product of the 14-team competition, with many struggling financially.     

However, there is a belief among the higher-ups within England that V'Landys' motive for the investment is to bolster a global broadcast rights deal, as the NRL’s current deal concludes next year.

“I think what the RFL believe is that Peter V’Landys is trying to get a global rights deal,” Shaw told SEN’s Front Office with Vossy.

“There is a value to having links and strong partnerships with Super League.

“Of course, we know Super League isn’t run well. We know that Peter V’Landys knows that. We know that Peter V'Landys thinks he can turn around the fortunes of Super League.

“So of course he’ll want some control because he’s not just going to put some money in and hope for the best.”

“The RFL don’t think that Peter V’Landys or the NRL will come in and take complete autonomy over the whole thing.”

However, as Shaw notes, while some English sides are on board with the investment, uncertainty still surrounds the proposed deal.

“But here’s the problem, there is no offer on the table right now,” he continued.

“So, as it stands, even the RFL don’t really know what Peter V’Landys wants.

“Nigel Wood (RFL Chairman) spoke with him and Andrew Abdo at length in Las Vegas. It seems like there’s progress there.

“There seems to be a changing attitude from the majority of Super League clubs now. A lot of them were uncomfortable with this idea, (but) they’ve come around now.

“But until an offer is put on the table, it feels like a bit of a standoff at the minute. And that’s why there seems to be a lot of secrecy.”