As a matter of official policy, the NRL makes explicit reference to its goal of ensuring that national selection for the Kangaroos is seen as the pinnacle of the sport.

This further adds its intention to ensure a vibrant international scene, particularly among Pacific nations where the NRL has its most immediate impact.

Based on this, one can assume that the game’s administration understands the value to its own domestic competition – commercial and otherwise – of being able to provide its players a grander stage for them to aspire to.

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The Kangaroos are one of the world’s great sporting successes but as some have rightfully suggested, a diminished opponent makes the story of the Australian national team harder for the public to invest themselves in.

England has provided the odd upset victory but have rarely maintained a challenge. Until a decade or so ago, New Zealand were much the same.

The English have regained a good portion of their former competitiveness by consistently challenging Australia in recent matches. The Kiwis have taken the next step and have actually gone on to defeat Australia when it mattered most on many occasions now.

What we are seeing in international rugby league is a levelling up of the competition. Australia now has real opponents who can beat them. From this will emerge a rugby league narrative that the sporting public can identify with and take ownership of.

It is by providing such a narrative, the NRL can ensure the realisation of their ‘international charter’. And ironically, the best way for that realisation is for the UK’s Super League to become a a legitimate competitor to the NRL.

At the moment, the NRL is able to attract some serious UK talent. The general view is that these top-line players need to play in a top line competition and the NRL happens to be that competition.



If such stars were able to be retained by the Super League, however, it would mean that the prestige of playing in that competition will have risen.

Such a rise would ensure a positive rivalry between Australia and England, creating a meaningful narrative for the sporting public to tap into. For this to occur, the NRL will have to see that supporting the Super League is actually a long term investment in the NRL’s international future and part of actualising its own goals and directions.

Whether that support is financial, technical or administrative, the recognition that a successful Super League is an integral part of a vibrant rugby league future is essential.