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.
In short
- McDermott wants Super League to accept NRL investment.
- A £35m proposal was rejected and talks continue.
- The NRL’s TV deal is worth £3.97bn over seven years.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Accepting NRL investment could bring Super League more funding, commercial expertise and reach, helping it market the competition, secure stronger media and sponsorship deals, and develop players for England. Supporters may see a partnership as a way to address the gap in resources while giving the NRL a stake in growing the English game.
The case against
The rejected £35m proposal may not offer enough value or safeguards to justify giving an overseas league influence over Super League’s future. Clubs may reasonably prioritise their independence and seek other ways to improve funding, while scrutinising how any deal would affect competition structure, the London Broncos’ place and the interests of existing clubs.