Arabic version: ماكمانوس يدعو إلى شراكة عالمية في دوري الرغبي

According to BBC News, St Helens chairman Eamonn McManus believes the NRL and Super League should work together to expand rugby league globally rather than allow one competition to take over the other. Super League confirmed earlier this month that it had received an investment offer from the Australian Rugby League Commission, with talks between the parties continuing since last year.

McManus said the issue had been approached incorrectly, rejecting the idea that the NRL would be acquiring or rescuing a competition that was not functioning. He described Australia’s club competition as one of world sport’s major successes, but said its growth was constrained by geography and its economy despite the value of its broadcast deal.

He contrasted that position with Europe, where he said rugby league had not been run well enough for too long but had “incredible growth potential”. McManus said Super League was “not a carcass to be picked at” and argued that the two sides should consider how to combine to strengthen the sport internationally. He added that Europe had “unlimited potential” for growth.

Rhodri Jones, managing director of the Rugby Football League, said the organisation was interested in exploring a “mutually beneficial and financially fair partnership” with the NRL. Jones said such an arrangement could unlock added value by creating a single global entity for rugby league. BBC Sport said it had contacted the NRL for comment.

McManus also highlighted St Helens’ appointment of Australia head coach Kevin Walters as their new boss for next season. The 58-year-old has Brisbane Broncos and Queensland on his CV, and McManus called his arrival “pretty compelling”. Walters could take over after a season in which St Helens may miss the Super League play-offs for the first time, while the club seeks stability after several coaching changes, including current interim coach Eamon O’Carroll.