The Sydney Roosters are exploring a bold expansion into European rugby league, with chairman Nick Politis confirming interest in acquiring and rebranding an English Super League club—pending NRL control of the competition.
Politis has held high-level talks with ARL Commission chairman Peter V’landys and several Super League clubs, including Salford Red Devils, as part of a potential NRL-run European competition.
Discussions include rebranding Salford as the Manchester Roosters, uniting the greater Manchester region under a new identity.
“Nothing will happen unless the NRL is involved,” Politis told The Sydney Morning Herald.
“We see a lot of potential for the game in England and we want to be part of it if the NRL is on board. We see an opportunity and we will wait to see what happens next.”
The proposed plan hinges on the NRL taking over administrative control of the Super League by 2028. Earlier this month, the NRL agreed to consider acquiring a 33 per cent stake in the competition—but only if clubs support the league’s overhaul and transfer of control.
The Roosters’ interest follows recent meetings in Las Vegas between NRL officials and the owners of Wigan and Warrington, where UK stakeholders urged the NRL to help revive the financially troubled competition.
Politis has also engaged with York Knights owner Clint Goodchild, and is weighing alternatives including teams in London or York.
Meanwhile, Canterbury Bulldogs boss Phil Gould supports NRL involvement in the UK as a way to grow the sport and enhance development pathways, saying it could even surpass existing systems like the NSW Cup.
Under a proposed model, the Super League would become a 10-team competition, with eight clubs in England and two in France—Catalans Dragons and Toulouse—forming a cross-border league.
With several top UK clubs, including Wigan, St Helens, Warrington, and Leeds, reportedly backing the plan, the NRL’s next move could shape the future of rugby league on both sides of the globe.
