Story thread · 9 reports / 4 sources

Wigan dominate the present but NRL cash is key to Super League future

theguardian.com · 1dShare

The playoffs begin on Friday with Wigan topping the table, but the competition could be run by NRL from next season As winds of change threaten to sweep through Super League off the field, there is an eery feeling of consistency on it as the business end of the season arrives. The prospect of a partnership with the National Rugby League looms closer, with the Australian governing body prepared to give clubs around £35m over five years in return for administrative control of Super League. The deal stalled throughout the summer, but the Guardian has been told it is now on the verge of approval after a meeting on Friday, with almost all clubs in favour. The finer details are still to be worked out, but with enough clubs on side, the NRL will effectively take over running Super League from 2027 and attempt to drive forward the competition’s off-field prospects. And when it does get its feet under the table, it would be a major surprise if a familiar face is not sitting at the head of it. C

First report: Wigan beat Catalans to win sixth League Leaders' Shield — bbc.co.uk, 3d