Three Super League clubs are representing the competition in NRL talks today
Hull FC are one of three Super League clubs represented in a meeting this Tuesday as talks regarding a potential NRL takeover begin.
NRL chiefs Peter V’Landys and Andrew Abdo are in the country for the Ashes series and will engage in discussions with officials, with Nigel Wood also set to be in attendance.
And the Black and Whites, as reported by Hull Live sister title All Out Rugby League, will be joined by Mike Danson and Simon Moran – the owners of Wigan Warriors and Warrington Wolves. Hull, who are also thought to be early frontrunners to play in Las Vegas come 2027, will be represented by co-owner Andrew Thirkill.
The trio are part of a working group focused on NRL collaborations alongside Hull KR’s Neil Hudgell and St Helens’ Eamonn McManus, though they are not believed to be in attendance.
There is a feeling within the UK that the NRL needs the collaboration too, contrary to the narrative that it is Super League that should be doing everything possible to get a working partnership.
That belief comes from a broadcast perspective after DAZN bought Foxtel earlier this year. There is a belief that the NRL will want to use Super League broadcasting rights as leverage for their negotiations, given DAZN has previously shown interest in purchasing the rights to Super League and has strong links to English sport.
However, as explained by Australian journalist Michael Chammas, the NRL will not get involved if it’s not right for them. Sources have indicated that officials in the Northern Hemisphere are excited and open to exploring the opportunities that are presented.
“The NRL will walk away if this is too hard,” he said on the Bye Round. “You know what Peter V’landys is like. He’s not doing this unless he’s got full control and I just can’t see the English clubs doing that.
“Lower-tier clubs have the same voting rights so there are clubs like Wigan and Warrington, who recognise how far the game can go with NRL resources, whereas some others are fearing for their survival and they don’t want the NRL involved because the chances are they’ll pick and choose who the teams in the competition are.
“Self-interest will prevail and the way I understand the situation is that if it gets too hard, the NRL will walk away.”