100 per cent: Warrington CEO keen to be a part of NRL's Global Round

Warrington Wolves CEO Karl Fitzpatrick has spoken about the possibility of the NRL and Super League partnering together, believing there is an appetite for it despite there currently being an impasse in finances alongside an interest in joining forces for the NRL's Global Round.

While the NRL has an interest in buying a stake in the northern hemisphere competition for several years, the RFL confirmed they've received an investment offer from the ARLC last week worth just under $60 million (AUD), which would equate to an ownership stake of 50 per cent over five years.

Straight after the announcement, reports emerged that the 14 clubs would reject the initial offer with hopes of further discussions to seek an arrangement that satisfies both parties.

Speaking before a meeting between the RFL and the 14 clubs in the competition about the offer, Fitzpatrick was keen to have the NRL involved but needed more cash investment.

“I think it's really positive that you mean we've finally got a bona fide offer because these discussions have been going on for over 12 months,” he explained on SEN’s The Run Home with Joel and Fletch.

“It's really encouraging and pleasing that an offer has been tabled.

“Now, the offer got sent through, I think it was last Wednesday, and the RFL received it probably about one hour before there was a club meeting, so we only kind of got a bit of light touch about the update.

“My understanding is (that it’s) probably a little bit below the expectations at this stage, but I must stress the RFL are keen to try and find a solution, although it's probably not where it needs to be.

“We're really enthused and ambitious and hopeful we can get to a place that works for both parties, and that's key as well, that this does work for both parties and it is a partnership.”

The NRL’s ambition to grow Rugby League beyond Australasian borders is not just confined to owning a stake in the Super League.

Following the interest generated from the Las Vegas season-opening matches across the last three years, the NRL's interim executive chairman Peter V’Landys has confirmed the competition will have a Global Round in 2028.

Currently, the NRL is rumoured to be having games in Hong Kong, Tokyo, the Middle East and in England.

Within the Super League, Warrington has been at the forefront of taking games outside of the UK, having been part of the inaugural match that the competition played as part of the NRL’s Las Vegas matches.

Following that, the Wolves will fly west into Ireland next year for Super League’s first-ever games in Dublin.

As a result, the Warrington CEO is keen to be a part of any global plans that the NRL has to help the sport take on its rivals and grow internationally.

“Absolutely,” Fitzpatrick said.

“This partnership with the NRL, if we can make it happen, this is where we can be aligned, so we're playing in Dublin on Saturday (24th of April against Wigan).

“(St. Helens) Saints and Hull have decided to join us on the Sunday as well.

“That shows the ambition; we've got another two teams going to Vegas next year.

 “We want to be part of that; we want the NRL (and) Super League (to) come together to take on the world.

“This is not the NRL versus Super League; this is rugby league versus Rugby Union, Netflix, AFL, NFL, whatever it is.

“If we can combine and become stronger together, I think it just presents a really exciting future for rugby league, but we 100% want to be part of that Global Round.”

The ARLC and RL Commercial are still in negotiations about a potential deal.