As Kevin Walters prepares to take the reins at St Helens following the World Cup in October, he has expressed strong support for a potential partnership between the National Rugby League (NRL) and Super League. This comes after Super League clubs recently turned down a £35 million investment proposal from the Australian Rugby League Commission aimed at boosting revenue for the European competition.
Discussions regarding this significant deal have been ongoing since last year, but no new offers have emerged. Walters, who previously coached the Brisbane Broncos in the NRL, stated in an interview with BBC Sport that while he does not believe Super League is in dire need of assistance, a collaborative effort between the two leagues could yield mutual benefits.
"I do see a great partnership between the NRL and Super League, and I feel that will benefit both parties," Walters remarked. He highlighted the presence of numerous Australian and New Zealand players in the Super League, emphasizing the league's strength and competitiveness. He believes that the NRL's outreach and potential support could enhance the Super League's stature and financial health.
In July, the NRL secured a lucrative seven-year broadcast deal worth approximately £400 million annually, which Walters noted could positively impact the Super League as well. "The game is very rich now in the NRL, so I can’t see why that wouldn’t transfer into Super League as well," he added, underscoring the potential for financial growth through collaboration.
Walters made these comments during a visit to St Helens, the club he will lead after coaching Australia in the World Cup. Eamonn McManus, chairman of St Helens, echoed Walters' sentiments, advocating for cooperation between the two leagues to foster the global growth of rugby league rather than one league overshadowing the other.
The Rugby Football League (RFL) has also expressed interest in exploring a partnership with the NRL, believing it could create a single global entity for the sport that would unlock significant value. This approach aims to promote the game internationally, rather than viewing Super League as a weaker counterpart to the NRL.
As Walters prepares for his new role, he reflects on the competitive nature of both leagues. He noted that while there may be a perceived gap in the speed of play, the talent within Super League is undeniable. "Physically there’s no gap. It’s just possibly a little bit of the speed of the game, but the talent is certainly here," he stated, reinforcing the respect that Super League commands in Australia.
With the upcoming World Cup, where eleven NRL stars have been named in England's preliminary squad, Walters aims to help retain top talent within the Super League. He believes that improving financial rewards for players in Super League could encourage them to stay, thus enhancing the league's overall quality.
Reflecting on his future with St Helens, Walters acknowledged the club's recent struggles after a period of dominance, where they won four consecutive Super League titles from 2019 to 2022. He expressed confidence in the club's potential for a quick turnaround, suggesting that minor adjustments rather than a complete overhaul would be necessary to restore St Helens to its former glory.
"This has been a great club for a long time. It feels a bit surreal for me to be the next coach of Saints next year. It feels good," Walters said, optimistic about the road ahead. He believes that with the right people involved, St Helens can achieve success swiftly, drawing on his experience of turning around the fortunes of the Brisbane Broncos during his tenure.
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