With the Super League competition and its clubs on their knees financially, NRL bosses agreed to a secret meeting with Wigan owner Mike Danson and Warrington owner Simon Moran in Las Vegas five weeks ago.
The wealthy owners want the NRL to rescue the competition and are speaking to all Super League clubs before submitting a formal proposal to NRL CEO Andrew Abdo and ARL Commission chairman Peter V’landys.
The NRL has made it clear that it will not approach the Super League to buy a stake in the competition, but would be open to striking a deal if the clubs are keen for the NRL to take over the running of the game.
Super League fans outside of Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas earlier this year.Credit: Getty Images
Under one of the proposed models being considered, the Super League could be renamed and have a 10-team competition run across two countries. The preferred model would see eight teams play out of England and two out of France.
Sources with knowledge of the situation talking under the condition of anonymity due to confidentiality said that the six powerful clubs – St Helens, Warrington Wolves, Wigan Warriors, Leeds Rhinos, Hull Kingston Rovers and Hull FC – have indicated their willingness to be part of the revamp.
The two clubs in France would be the Catalans Dragons and a team in Toulouse. The remaining two spots would be filled by two English clubs, with the Roosters now eyeing one of those spots.
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A takeover deal was struck in February when a consortium led by Swiss businessman Dario Berta agreed to clear the Red Devils’ debt. The consortium vowed to make additional significant investment, but prospective bidders are keeping a close eye on the situation.
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