McManus Calls for Partnership as NRL Weighs Super League Investment

BBC Sport reports that St Helens chairman Eamonn McManus has called for the NRL and Super League to work together on growing rugby league globally, as discussions continue over a possible Australian investment in the European competition. Super League confirmed earlier in August that it had received an offer from the Australian Rugby League Commission aimed at increasing the competition's revenue.

Watch the highlights:

Talks between the parties have been under way since 2025, but McManus told BBC Radio Merseyside that he believed the process had been approached from the wrong perspective. He objected to framing the Australian competition as a successful organisation acquiring or rescuing a struggling target, arguing instead for a relationship built around the different opportunities available to both sides.

McManus acknowledged the NRL's status as a major success in club rugby league and pointed to the scale of its broadcast agreement. At the same time, he argued that Australia's geography and domestic economy place limits on further expansion, while the European game has significant room to grow despite having been poorly run for an extended period.

The Rugby Football League also confirmed its interest in the proposal. In a statement reported by the BBC, managing director Rhodri Jones said the governing body wanted to explore a partnership that would be mutually beneficial and financially fair. Jones said the RFL believes a single global entity could create additional value for the sport. The BBC said it had contacted the NRL for comment.

McManus said the potential arrangement would not be a partnership of equals because of the NRL's stronger position in Australia, but maintained that collaboration could strengthen rugby league internationally. His comments come as Super League considers what outside investment and closer alignment with the Australian game could mean for its commercial structure and future growth. No final agreement, valuation or timetable was reported.

The St Helens chairman also discussed the club's appointment of Australia head coach Kevin Walters for next season. Walters, 58, has previously coached Brisbane Broncos and Queensland. He is due to take charge after a campaign in which St Helens could miss the Super League play-offs for the first time, and he will become the club's fourth head coach within a year, including current interim boss Eamon O'Carroll. McManus said the appointment was intended to restore stability before pursuing renewed success.