Nick Politis targets English club ownership as NRL eyes Super League takeover

·

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.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Greek hospitality meets harbour views at Sydney’s newest spot, Akti

Sydney’s Woolloomooloo Finger Wharf has received a vibrant Greek twist with the recent opening of Akti, a contemporary Greek restaurant.

Crash survivor Paris Cockinos urges Aussies to donate blood

Paris Cockinos was left fighting for his life after a motorcycle accident in 2020 that resulted in severe internal injuries and fractures.

Fishermen see hope return amid Greece’s trawler ban

Greece’s remote Fournoi archipelago, rich in coral reefs and marine biodiversity, is set to benefit from a government ban on bottom trawling.

Tony Xanthopoulos’ lavish spending and mounting debts revealed amid company collapse

Tony Xanthopoulos, director of Xtraordinary Constructions, is under scrutiny after company’s collapse revealed a string of luxury purchases.

SA tomato farmer Peter Petsios demands answers after biosecurity backflip

Peter Petsios is calling for an inquiry and threatening legal action after the federal government abandoned efforts to eradicate ToBRFV.

You May Also Like

The top four Greek archaeological discoveries of 2023

As we prepare to enter 2024, The Greek Herald has decided to look back at the top four archaeological finds of the year.

NSW Teachers Federation to take ‘whatever action is necessary’ to secure promised pay rise

NSW Teachers Federation president Angelo Gavrielatos said the union will consider "all options" to defend their members' rights.

Australian Hellenic Choir mark centenary of Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia

The centenary of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia was celebrated on March 22 with a concert by the Australian Hellenic Choir.