Leeds Rhinos, St Helens, Hull KR and Hull FC have released statements in favour of the NRL's investment in Super League after Leigh Leopards owner Derek Beaumont publicly opposed the deal on social media.
Talks have been ongoing for months over the Australian competition's potential involvement in Super League, aimed at aligning the top two rugby league competitions in the world. As a requirement of the deal, the NRL would reportedly want London Broncos added to the top flight as a 15th team from the 2027 season onwards. That demand has been a potential sticking point for some clubs.
Beaumont said it is "just not right to put London in Super League". His particular grievance is that London finished 16th in the gradings, outside the automatic Super League spots. He also said that if London were admitted, a process similar to the one that elevated Toulouse Olympique and York Knights in 2026, which went through an independent panel, should be used.
Other clubs see the partnership as a "landmark" and "defining" moment for the sport. A deadline for the deal is reportedly at the end of this week, when clubs will vote on whether the partnership should proceed. Leeds owner Paul Caddick said the Leeds Rhinos and Caddick Group give their "wholehearted support" and believe it will be a gamechanger for the sport. St Helens reaffirmed their long-standing support, while the two Hull clubs issued a symbolic joint statement of solidarity.
Source: Sky Sports Champions League · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing