Former St Helens CEO Mike Rush has explained why a deal between NRL and Super League is paramount, with the international game set to benefit hugely if a partnership does occur.

Rush, who departed the Red Vee after an incredible 27 years, has now become the Chief Executive at NRL side Parramatta Eels, as he looks to help the Sydney-based outfit to the same success he delivered in England.

His former club is one of the many Super League sides in favour of the agreement, which would reportedly see the Australian game pump $57 million worth of investment into Super League.

A deadline was set for October 15, and given we are now well past that, it is uncertain whether the pairing will come to fruition.

Regardless, Rush hopes that the two elite competitions can come together, as not only will it strengthen the domestic game, but the international game as well.

“I think that any investment will be good because we need an aligned game,” Rush said to The Daily Telegraph.

“We’ve got an opportunity now where the game is huge in Papua New Guinea, the game is huge now in Tonga and Samoa, the game is huge in Australia, New Zealand, and England.

“We need to align all these to make sure that we get a decent international game because ultimately, where is rugby union strong? It is strong internationally.

“So, any alignment that gets the competition stronger will help England get stronger, which will help both sides of the world have a better competition.

“It will also allow for one central TV deal across one network, which – that’s probably a longer-term strategy, but if that’s the case, then hopefully that’ll benefit everyone.”

The rise of Tonga and Samoa especially has meant that now five nations have a realistic chance of winning this year’s Rugby League World Cup. Australia remain the favourites, especially after victory over New Zealand, but all four of those teams and England all have aspirations of lifting the trophy on November 15.

Expanding on Rush’s final point, Super League currently has no confirmed broadcast deal for 2027. Add to that a lack of main title sponsor, uncertainty over the number of teams in the competition and when the next campaign will begin.

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