England boss McDermott calls for Super League to accept NRL investment

England head coach Brian McDermott has urged Super League to accept investment from Australia’s NRL, saying it could help grow the English competition and strengthen the national game. Talks continue after Super League clubs rejected a £35m proposal, while key decisions on sponsorship, broadcasting and the 2027 season remain unresolved.

McDermott said Super League’s players and coaches were strong, but argued the competition needed better marketing and greater resources. The NRL’s new seven-year television deal is worth $5.3bn (£3.97bn), compared with about £21.5m a year for Super League’s deal with Sky, which ended in 2026. Any agreement is understood to include a role for London Broncos in the top flight, though their place remains uncertain despite winning the Championship Grand Final and two other honours.