Also, it appears now that Sport England have taken an interest, and are not impressed by Wood's power grab. Funding at stake there. https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/jul/31/sport-england-to-meet-rfl-chiefs-to-address-governance-concerns-in-rugby-league

Also, it appears now that Sport England have taken an interest, and are not impressed by Wood's power grab. Funding at stake there. https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/jul/31/sport-england-to-meet-rfl-chiefs-to-address-governance-concerns-in-rugby-league

Oh.

I’m hoping we and the likes of the Hulls and Wire are  working through options of this breakaway as the sky and sports england involvement is very damning. I think a few teams will be edging their bets. I think Derek is going all in on the SL and Woods as let’s face his approach will not wash if the  NRL get involved. I don’t mind Derek and think he has brought some good but the drunken Twitter spats with fans is just too cringy. 

i think they were both on the columbian marching powder over in Catalan and decided to chuck a load of ideas into a hat, and then just keep chucking them out there for a laugh and see how many clubs / fans they can p*** off in the process

So we got an unhappy broadcaster, an unhappy Sports England which is bad news for the wider sport not just super league, unhappy clubs, unhappy fans - need i go on

I'm not going to use this an opportunity to bash Radlinski - but it's a real shame that IL isn't around for this. 

I always thought he was more at odds with the direction SL was going than anyone else.  He'd have loved an opportunity, or opening like this to drive real and purposeful change. 

 


I'm not too concerned about KR at this point.
Although we voted Woods in the position the abstained vote on the 14 club League left people not knowing quite what Wigan's view are on it.
Hull FC & KR voted against, they said, due to a start date of 2026. That suggests they would have voted in favour had it been 2027 implementation. 


Wigan and Warrington were earlier leaning towards an NRL takeover with a 10 club League. Whether this is still a proposal I don't know.
When Maurice wanted to expand the game and back then was opposed by Wood and Hetherington he upstaged them by getting the SKY TV deal which every club voted in favour of.
Pity the NRL together with SKY can't put forward a deal which would take the sport out of the clutches of the collection of clowns to take Rugby League in the UK forward. 

I was more saying that there's an opportunity there for someone who wants to take it. They've gotta be on the inside, but if someone wanted to stir the pot - the opening is there.  

That could, like you said, be something like Maurice getting a new TV deal. Could Danson, Radz do something with the NRL?  Could Hudgell be the king maker instead?

Yea Radlinski has pretty much rolled over on this issue have the stones to say yes or no on such an important issue.

I’m really nearing the end of my time watching this sport I really am

Its nothing to do with Sky how the sport is run. 

Hypothetically speaking, if the NRL takeover/involvement happened, what deal are you expecting which will materially change things?

nathan_rugby: Father Ted:   I'm not too concerned about KR at this point. Although we voted Woods in the position the abstained vote on the 14 club League left people not knowing quite what Wigan's view are on it. Hull FC & KR voted against, they said, due to a start date of 2026. That suggests they would have voted in favour had it been 2027 implementation.  Wigan and Warrington were earlier leaning towards an NRL takeover with a 10 club League. Whether this is still a proposal I don't know. When Maurice wanted to expand the game and back then was opposed by Wood and Hetherington he upstaged them by getting the SKY TV deal which every club voted in favour of. Pity the NRL together with SKY can't put forward a deal which would take the sport out of the clutches of the collection of clowns to take Rugby League in the UK forward.  Its nothing to do with Sky how the sport is run.  Hypothetically speaking, if the NRL takeover/involvement happened, what deal are you expecting which will materially change things? Overly simplistic take, but it's to be expected.  Sky don't 'run' the game. They are just it's biggest commercial partner, with a massive say. Thursday night games being an obvious one.   In regards to the deal, Google is your friend. Having options on the table and owners with connections - gives back power (even if it's just a little bit).  Also being owned by a cash rich organisation like the NRL can't ever be a bad thing.  https://www.alloutrugbyleague.co.uk/news/nrl-set-negotiate-record-rugby-1037092

nathan_rugby: Father Ted:   I'm not too concerned about KR at this point. Although we voted Woods in the position the abstained vote on the 14 club League left people not knowing quite what Wigan's view are on it. Hull FC & KR voted against, they said, due to a start date of 2026. That suggests they would have voted in favour had it been 2027 implementation.  Wigan and Warrington were earlier leaning towards an NRL takeover with a 10 club League. Whether this is still a proposal I don't know. When Maurice wanted to expand the game and back then was opposed by Wood and Hetherington he upstaged them by getting the SKY TV deal which every club voted in favour of. Pity the NRL together with SKY can't put forward a deal which would take the sport out of the clutches of the collection of clowns to take Rugby League in the UK forward.  Its nothing to do with Sky how the sport is run.  Hypothetically speaking, if the NRL takeover/involvement happened, what deal are you expecting which will materially change things? Overly simplistic take, but it's to be expected.  Sky don't 'run' the game. They are just it's biggest commercial partner, with a massive say. Thursday night games being an obvious one.   In regards to the deal, Google is your friend. Having options on the table and owners with connections - gives back power (even if it's just a little bit).  Also being owned by a cash rich organisation like the NRL can't ever be a bad thing.  https://www.alloutrugbyleague.co.uk/news/nrl-set-negotiate-record-rugby-1037092

Interview with KR on Alloutrugbyleague YouTube channel where he explains why Wigan abstained, good watch.
Short version the clubs were given zero information especially on the financial implications

Good watch

Lots of talk around the SC....