GARY Hetherington insists the NRL needs Super League as much as Super League needs the NRL as the deadline for a deal between the two looms.
NRL chief Peter V’landys has set a deadline of the end of May to complete a reported offer of £250million over five years to take “complete control” of Super League.
But former Leeds Rhinos chief executive Hetherington, now in the same role at Australian-owned London Broncos, believes a partnership with Super League is just as vital to the Southern Hemisphere competition.
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“The NRL have talked a good game, but they’ve not actually produced an offer which should be considered,” Hetherington told Sky Sports’ The Bench podcast.
“But there’s no doubt we do need a strategic partnership with the NRL – and I think they need one with us as well.
“There are only two competitions in the world and we need to actually come together, we need a strategic plan for the game.
“I think there are a load of opportunities which need the NRL and the Super League and the RFL to come together, and actually create this strategic plan.”
While fresh investment from the NRL would be much welcomed by the clubs, particularly with the value of broadcast rights having stagnated in the past decade, one sticking point is set to be some club owners being unwilling to cede power.
At present, decision-making power for rugby league in the UK rests with the RFL Council, which is made up of the 34 professional Super League and Championship clubs, plus seven representatives of the community game, Combined Services and education, and higher education.
Hetherington warned that any NRL involvement in the British game must not be at the expense of the sport outside of Super League, and include plans to grow the international game.
“When we talk about the game, we’re not just talking about Super League, we’re talking about all aspects of the game and we need to grow all aspects of the game,” Hetherington said.
“The women’s game now is at the forefront – and so it should be – so the NRL have got to be understanding of our sport.
“We need to see more people participating in the sport and more people playing the game.
“There are loads of opportunities, but this is not something you’re going to sort out in a 20-minute chat.”