NRL to buy share of Super League

[RL The greatest game]

It will be decided in October when the 2025 gradings are done.

IF the Red Devils woes continue it's unlikely they will be around come October.

 

[BODISGOD]

They didn't really make a profit. Beaumont and Ellis have just left more money in the club's bank account than the other owners.

Every Super League club has effectively been trading while insolvent for years now, and most of the owners who are public are quite open about that fact. The only thing keeping them alive are their owners tipping ever increasing amounts of their own money into the clubs, and their costs are continuing to rise annually.

The current situation isn't sustainable and sooner or later something is gonna give. They need radical change yesterday or things are going to get bad, whether that change is the NRL coming in or some other plan doesn't really matter, but they have to cut costs and increase revenue streams or clubs are going to start falling over and there's a genuine chance of dropping out of professionalism.

If Sky slashes the next TV deal, which is likely as things stand, then they're screwed.

I'm of the view that Super League should exit the Sky arrangement and either go it alone, or join up with a broadcaster like Premier to basically own & sell their own rights.

Sky is useful for promotion but the value has been reducing for 30 years since Super League was launched (some rights cycles it's gone up but it has yo yo'd as the market has changed before declining again the last decade). When SL was launched the rights value differential of the Super League to the Premier League football was 1 : 3.5 (£17m per annum £61m) vs. Now it is 1:80 (£21m per annum vs. £1.7bn). In real terms the Super League rights are nearly down by half in absolute terms and in reality it is worse as the value of sport on tv has only gone up in real terms.

People regularly say "what would happen if the EPL went it alone" but that's an empty threat. What happens at the moment is that the EPL is subsidised by people with broader interests whose Sky (full tv package), TNT and Prime subscriptions are eaten up by Premier League rights fees. It's massively popular but they basically have enjoyed all of the growth in fees over the last few decades and nibbling away at other sports. Sky basically pay out 1 out 10 pounds they generate across tv, broadband and other to the Premier League & many of the divisions in Sky are low real world margin and in no way tied to sport (broadband for example).

This all happens because when they ask the customer what sports they watch, 9/10 they'll say football so that's the one event they can't lose. That doesn't mean they don't like the Super League or Tennis or whatever, just that Sky will prioritise their monthly fee to renew football.

Even if you look at Women's Football, they are now sucking up money when it does not generate significant views. The football authorities push it and Sky are duty bound to pay for it to keep the big piece.

This is the same for basically every sport's bread and butter domestic leagues but other sports have more events to sell. So for Sky they'll pay big money for the big ticket Golf events. English rugby league unfortunately doesn't really have that.

If I'm Super League, I take it back and look to generate cash centrally & look to sell more piecemeal games to wider broadcasters.

 

[BODISGOD]

could be with NRL investment.

Is that realistic? It's very easy to underestimate the real costs of running a sports team.

The return for the NRL would obviously be a more vibrant international game that could command higher broadcast revenues (in Australia and Internationally), but is that really going to provide the payback needed?

 

[Perth Red]

https://www.patreon.com/posts/131126886?pr=true&fbclid=IwY2xjawK0s_9leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETFQdlBBVThZQlVFWW8xSFdIAR7uNv4rnfN_YBUMqLr390dLd4vWsUiVQxQZd0OsaPQn3_QWdnqAbP4YbMq32A_aem_DMafXObdBSwAleSn6B839A

 

[Pippen94]

https://www.yorkrlfc.com/post/york-rlfc-link-with-newcastle-thunder-and-penrith-panthers-to-launch-high-performance-pathways-par?fbclid=IwY2xjawK-qP9leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFjeFV6MzYyck9oamZGUmVYAR5dTtGCR6yJv71kzaoz8ZOuAaZNI0CBHsDc4AnfjhVxP9DCxGb3vQKgQ-LBKQ_aem_7PqdD44MhQpmTt-qZdermA

 

[RL The greatest game]

https://www.yorkrlfc.com/post/york-rlfc-link-with-newcastle-thunder-and-penrith-panthers-to-launch-high-performance-pathways-par?fbclid=IwY2xjawK-qP9leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFjeFV6MzYyck9oamZGUmVYAR5dTtGCR6yJv71kzaoz8ZOuAaZNI0CBHsDc4AnfjhVxP9DCxGb3vQKgQ-LBKQ_aem_7PqdD44MhQpmTt-qZdermA

Surely a NRL club needs to link up with London Broncos to develop juniors, as with a population of around 9 million, in that population there would be some very good young athletes who would make very good Rugby League players given a chance, and underpin the junior development that's already going on in Australia, and rich pickings for that NRL club who would be spoilt for choice, and a positive for them and the London Broncos with an increased junior playing pool.

 

[Foreign Legion]

Surely a NRL club needs to link up with London Broncos to develop juniors, as with a population of around 9 million, in that population there would be some very good young athletes who would make very good Rugby League players given a chance, and underpin the junior development that's already going on in Australia, and rich pickings for that NRL club who would be spoilt for choice, and a positive for them and the London Broncos with an increased junior playing pool.

You'd think so.

 

[Jonty]

Surely a NRL club needs to link up with London Broncos to develop juniors, as with a population of around 9 million, in that population there would be some very good young athletes who would make very good Rugby League players given a chance, and underpin the junior development that's already going on in Australia, and rich pickings for that NRL club who would be spoilt for choice, and a positive for them and the London Broncos with an increased junior playing pool.

The NRL/NRL clubs not only need to link up with the London broncos but also the midlands hurricanes who are based in Birmingham the 2nd largest city in the UK with a population of 1.2 million and 6 million for the West Midlands region.

the entire population of the midlands region with both the west&east combined is just over 10 million with the largest most northern city Nottingham(pop of 330k) and largest most southern city Coventry(pop of 350k) only being separated by 50 miles or just under a 1 hour drive.

 

[Vlad59]

The NRL/NRL clubs not only need to link up with the London broncos but also the midlands hurricanes who are based in Birmingham the 2nd largest city in the UK with a population of 1.2 million and 6 million for the West Midlands region.

the entire population of the midlands region with both the west&east combined is just over 10 million with the largest most northern city Nottingham(pop of 330k) and largest most southern city Coventry(pop of 350k) only being separated by 50 miles or just under a 1 hour drive.

Gee how enlightening. Did you use google to find out these ever so interesting facts?

 

[Jonty]

Gee how enlightening. Did you use google to find out these ever so interesting facts?

Firstly yes i did use google to be precise about population sizes and distances.

secondly what’s wrong with this?

and thirdly why are you constantly stalking me?

 

[Vlad59]

Firstly yes i did use google to be precise about population sizes and distances.

secondly what’s wrong with this?

and thirdly why are you constantly stalking me?

People responding to your posts isn’t stalking. If that is the case this is a forum of stalkers. Now stop being silly Captain Google!

 

[Vlad59]

Surely a NRL club needs to link up with London Broncos to develop juniors, as with a population of around 9 million, in that population there would be some very good young athletes who would make very good Rugby League players given a chance, and underpin the junior development that's already going on in Australia, and rich pickings for that NRL club who would be spoilt for choice, and a positive for them and the London Broncos with an increased junior playing pool.

NRL clubs are only interested in the bottom line. Investing money time and resources in an English Club will have to be based on a financial return otherwise why bother. Altruism doesn’t pay the bills

 

[RL The greatest game]

You'd think so.

I do

 

[RL The greatest game]

NRL clubs are only interested in the bottom line. Investing money time and resources in an English Club will have to be based on a financial return otherwise why bother. Altruism doesn’t pay the bills

There would be a financial return with all the young athletes they would find in a population of 9 million.

 

[Vlad59]

There would be a financial return with all the young athletes they would find in a population of 9 million.

I’m not sure how. Rugby league has no profile in the city. Why would they play league? It will take years to build a player pool. Melbourne say hello.

 

[Jonty]

People responding to your posts isn’t stalking. If that is the case this is a forum of stalkers. Now stop being silly Captain Google!

Why do you keep sending me private messages then mate?

 

[Vlad59]

This article is a clear demonstration as to why NRL clubs need to stay clear of investing in English rugby league clubs until they get their houses in order. The game is in tatters over there due to a severe lack of finance. The clubs lost 20 million pounds last year which, taken as a % of income, is terrible.
The poms need to get their houses in order and hoping the NRL will dig them out of their self made problems is a pathetic strategy and one Vlandys shouldn’t and won’t entertain.
what is most amusing is the fact some resident poms have the nerve to criticise the game in Australia when even our weakest clubs are immeasurably stronger than any of theirs.
A nation of whingers and moaners. It never changes.

Salford Red Devils financial update as bridging loan report emerges

Salford Red Devils have reportedly secured a bridging loan to provide a financial boost: but it isn't due before the club face a winding-up order next week.

www.loverugbyleague.com

 

[Perth Red]

The RFL has today circulated its group consolidated accounts for 2024 showing a loss before tax of £507,000.

The accounts, which have been circulated to members of the Rugby League Council ahead of next month’s Annual General Meeting, explain that the Board and Executive team had budgeted to make a planned loss of £800,000 for 2024, which at that point included a write-down in the value of Odsal Stadium – however this was recognised in 2023, resulting in an improved outcome for 2024.

The sale of the lease of Odsal Stadium to the Bradford Bulls was completed in January 2025, and the transaction will therefore be included in the 2025 accounts.

The planned loss was in part to invest in some key areas of the RFL’s business activities where attention was needed to bolster governance and facilitate future revenue growth. That forecast revenue growth should allow the governing body to further invest in its core strategic objectives throughout the sport. On the costs side, there were also higher than anticipated costs arising from the delivery of senior England programmes.

Underpinning long-term financial sustainability, the RFL’s aggregate cash balance increased from £5.911m in 2023 to £6.118m in 2024 as a result of strong treasury management.

Year on year turnover fell to £13.516m from £15.035m in 2023, attributed in the main to lower Government funding from grants from Sport England from £4.819m in 2023 to £3.241m in 2024. This is a result of the cyclical variation in programme activity throughout the funding term, along with how grant income is recognised in accordance with FRS102.

The accounts also show reductions in administrative costs, Group Staff costs, Board costs and directors remuneration, and in the cost of the Match Officials department due to effective cost management, while payments to or on behalf of clubs and other member organisations fell from £5.885m in 2023 to £5.724m.

The July RFL Council meeting will also be asked to approve the election until March 2026, of the five Non-Executive Directors who were appointed following the submission of Members’ Resolutions earlier this year – Lord Jonathan Caine, Joanna Coates, Abi Ekoku, Dermot Power and Emma Rosewarne MBE.

RFL group consolidated accounts 2024 - summary

www.rugby-league.com

 

[Perth Red]

​

Hull KR strike up agreement with NRL club ahead of Las Vegas meet up​

Hull KR have struck up a partnership with NRL club North Queensland Cowboys as they look to take the next step in their development as a club.
The two clubs have entered an agreement that will see the pair work together closely to make progress on and off the field as respective clubs. Both KR and the Cowboys are due to play in Las Vegas next year and the agreement will see the two sets of players come together for an opposed training session in America before they take to the Allegiant Stadium pitch.
However, the partnership will also see three ‘virtual cross club working groups’ set up with monthly meetings across the first-team, academy and commercial aspects. CEOs Paul Lakin and Jeff Reibel will speak bi-monthly to discuss any findings or benefits found from the working groups, too.
Lakin insists the agreement is not a deal to swap on-field talent, but one that can see ideas shared in the hope of allowing both clubs to thrive and prosper in their respective competitions.

Paul Lakin on Hull KR deal with North Queensland Cowboys​

“This is a fantastic opportunity for us to understand the inner workings of a well resourced NRL club,” Lakin said in a Hull KR statement. “From first team to off field, there’s so much we can share with each other and learn from.

“Like us, the Cowboys operate slightly outside the traditional ‘bubble’ and place a big emphasis on incremental growth, community development and the matchday experience to grow.

“This is not about signing or stealing each other’s talent, it’s a meaningful partnership for genuine mutual benefit including potential job swaps, and opportunities for our academy to tour Queensland.

Lakin insists the agreement is not a deal to swap on-field talent, but one that can see ideas shared in the hope of allowing both clubs to thrive and prosper in their respective competitions.

“We were attracted to the Cowboys because of the similar straight forward approach to things, and their strong community values which are also important to us.
“We are keen to emphasize, this is not an announcement we will make, and then we sit on the shelf, this will be a proactive relationship, that has six months of planning behind it, which we look forward to progressing over the coming years.”
North Queensland’s Jeff Reibel, added:  “Hull KR are a club whose values and ambitions closely mirror our own. As high-performing organisations in the NRL and Super League respectively, both clubs are committed to long term success while delivering genuine community impact.

“This partnership opens development opportunities for our staff and organisation as a whole. It aligns with our focus on evolving our operations and learning from like-minded organisations to ensure we remain progressive and competitive.

“Importantly, it does not alter our existing player pathways system. It is designed to enhance our broader organisational capability by connecting with another performance driven club committed to growth.

“We look forward to the opportunity for our two clubs to come together in person in Las Vegas in 2026 to build further on the shared foundations we’ve begun to establish.”

Hull KR strike up agreement with NRL club ahead of Las Vegas meet up - Serious About Rugby League

Hull KR have struck up a partnership with NRL club North Queensland Cowboys as they look to take the next step in their development as a club. The two clubs have entered an agreement that will see the pair work together closely to make progress on and off the field as respective clubs. Both KR […]

www.seriousaboutrl.com

 

[RL The greatest game]

This article is a clear demonstration as to why NRL clubs need to stay clear of investing in English rugby league clubs until they get their houses in order. The game is in tatters over there due to a severe lack of finance. The clubs lost 20 million pounds last year which, taken as a % of income, is terrible.
The poms need to get their houses in order and hoping the NRL will dig them out of their self made problems is a pathetic strategy and one Vlandys shouldn’t and won’t entertain.
what is most amusing is the fact some resident poms have the nerve to criticise the game in Australia when even our weakest clubs are immeasurably stronger than any of theirs.
A nation of whingers and moaners. It never changes.

Salford Red Devils financial update as bridging loan report emerges

Salford Red Devils have reportedly secured a bridging loan to provide a financial boost: but it isn't due before the club face a winding-up order next week.

www.loverugbyleague.com

Don't invest in clubs, invest in junior development.