Sources in Australia have confirmed that the NRL are considering a move to buy the English Super League in what would be an historic investment.
It has been reported that 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.
The NRL is also reportedly considering a ‘sister city’ programme that would see each Super League club align with an Australian team to develop players through a feeder system.
News Corp has reported a third party approached NRL bosses regarding the potential purchase of the Super League.
The potential move comes after the NRL 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 seasonal opening clash to Las Vegas and England could be next.
As Cumbria Crack reported yesterday Australian Rugby league legend Matty Johns threw his support behind the move.
But what has been the reaction in Cumbria to the rumours – and that’s all they are as far as this country is concerned?
If Super League did align with the NRL and switched back to a winter game how would it affect the Championship, League One and the amateur game.
Cumbria Crack’s John Walsh has been contacting leading figures in both the pro and amateur game for their views, and this is what they said – in no particular order.
Paul Crarey, Barrow coach – “All pre-season would be done in the summer months so you would get more quality in that respect, but cold and wet in winter for the fans to watch.
“However there does seem to be bigger crowds in the winter month so maybe it is the answer.”
Lorraine Degraff, secretary of Cumberland Amateur Rugby League – “I think it would be good for the amateur game to go back to the winter as during July and August in particular we get so many games cancelled due to carnivals, festivals etc.
“With regards to the NRL purchasing a stake in Super League it could have an impact on the local game in that the NRL could flood the English Super League with their players – or would the overseas quota remain in place.
“It may limit the community game players signing pro due to an influx of young Aussie players.
“So there are concerns that the NRL would just use the English SL as a feeder league and cherry-pick the best players to move to Australia.
“However on the plus side it would give a global stage for RL as the Aussies seem to promote the game so much better that we do. It would also give UK-based players a better chance of playing in Australia.
“It’s a difficult one as, at the moment, it’s all ifs and buts. However personally I think something does need to be done with the English game but I don’t think it’s a good idea that the game is run from the other side of the world.”
Anthony Murray, the Workington Town coach – “I would need to hear more confirmed reports but as I see it all the game would have to revert back to winter to make it work.”
Aiden Worthington, coach of Conference League newcomers Distington – “I have to say that there were more players involved in the amateur game, and therefore more teams, when we played in the winter.
“But from a personal point of view I think it is much better in the summer – it’s better to watch, a quicker game to play and more enjoyable to coach.
“Mind you with the new rules coming in there does seem an intention to slow the game down, especially around the ruck, and that would be more suited to winter rugby.”
Peter Smith, coach of Conference League Kells – “I don’t think there’s any doubt that it would be a backward step as there would be no quality in the games and the crowds would dwindle.”
Jonty Gorley, head coach at Whitehaven – “I don’t think it’s bad over here playing the pro game in summer, but whether this takes off between the NRL and the Super League I don’t know.
“However, in my opinion what does need to go back to the winter is the amateur game. There’s too many other things for the lads to do in the summer whereas in the winter they can concentrate on their rugby.”
Simon Pattinson, youth coach at the Maryport amateur club – “I think I’m very much 50-50 as it’s swings and roundabouts in the amateur game.
“In the winter more games are likely to be called off through the weather, while the summer months make it better for people watching the matches.
“We could benefit, though, from winter rugby as holidays, week-ends away on the stag do’s and festivals in summer means we struggle for numbers.”
Barry Morgan, Whitehaven RL chief executive – “As far as the NRL bid for Super League and the return to winter rugby is concerned nothing would surprise me.
“If you believe all the comments after two rounds of Super League then you would be forgiven for thinking the sport we grew up loving and enjoying is dying before all our eyes.
“All the eggs are being put into one basket and that has red flags all over it.
“They talk about club investment in women and youth yet the Championship and League One lack that investment from the RFL.
“Changing to winter will further reduce attendances due to inclement weather – and with more games on tv why get wet and cold?
“Maybe it’s time for the Championship and League One to negotiate their own deal and competition.”
