The National Rugby League could have total control of rugby league in Europe by 2028 when new television deals will be done for the NRL, Super League and the international game.
According to a report from The Sydney Morning Herald, plans began to take shape during the opening Las Vegas round where both Wigan and the Warrington Wolves were invited and played each other prior to the NRL matches.
Wigan’s Mike Danson and Warrington’s Simon Moran met with Peter V’landys, Andrew Abdo and other NRL heavies in Vegas.
Both their spots seem to be guaranteed in a proposed ten-team European premiership.
There has been speculation and whispers about for several weeks by the article from Michael Chammas confirms that there are some monumental changes coming in the next several months and years.
The NRL is considering a 33 percent stake in the Super League with a view of taking total control by season 2028.
According to the SMH, Wests Tigers CEO Shane Richardson and South Sydney’s Blake Solly have also been heavily involved in talks.
“Sources with knowledge of the situation talking under the condition of anonymity due to confidentiality said that the six powerful clubs – St Helens, Warrington Wolves, Wigan Warriors, Leeds Rhinos, Hull Kingston Rovers and Hull FC – have indicated their willingness to be part of the revamp,” Chammas writes.
2025 Beetson Raudonikis Medal – Round Five
“The two clubs in France would be the Catalans Dragons and a team in Toulouse. The remaining two spots would be filled by two English clubs that best fit a set of criteria that will be used to determine their involvement. The European competition is also seen as a potential gateway to North America.
“Another option available is for the NRL to start a breakaway competition in Europe given the clubs own their intellectual property.”
The Rabbitohs are also reportedly interested in purchasing a European club in the future.
