The chief executive of Australia's National Rugby League has dismissed concerns that a potential multi-million pound investment into Super League would drain talent from the UK competition, insisting the goal is to make rugby league in Europe "thrive."
Andrew Abdo, who has been in the UK for talks with British officials, told BBC Sport that fears the deal would turn Super League into a feeder system for the NRL are "completely unfounded."
"What we're trying to achieve is to make rugby league in the UK and Europe as strong as possible," Abdo said. "That's the exact opposite of it becoming a feeder pathway program. We're doing this to grow and to attract players in this market from other codes and to make sure that there's good investment in pathways to produce even stronger talent for the competition here, for it to thrive."
Abdo emphasized the NRL is seeking a partnership, not a takeover. However, the proposal has faced skepticism from some Super League figures, including Leeds Rhinos chairman Paul Caddick.
"If Australia takes value out of the English game, the gap will only get bigger and we will only become subservient to them, which I would never agree to sign up to," Caddick warned. "It all boils down to that first question of 'why?', and confirmation that it's not just about extracting our riches or to be enablers for them."
In response, Abdo acknowledged the concerns but urged stakeholders to look beyond initial doubts.
"I certainly understand that in the absence of information, people sometimes default to the negative," he said. "But certainly, the fears of the Super League becoming a feeder league to the NRL couldn't be further away from the hypothesis of why we're doing this."
Caddick also highlighted the greater challenge rugby league faces in the UK due to football's dominance, cautioning that the NRL is not "a magic ticket or Father Christmas."
Abdo countered by stressing the NRL's respectful approach.
"We understand competition and we're not arrogant and we approach this with hunger and humility," he stated. "We fully understand the challenges that exist in this market. And part of the reason of taking our time and listening is the respect for what this landscape holds, both in terms of challenge and opportunity."
A key sticking point in negotiations appears to be governance. The NRL, run by the independent Australian Rugby League Commission, seeks a similar model for its UK involvement. Abdo indicated a deal hinges on "assurances that we can actually have the ability to implement the gameplan."
When asked if this meant Super League club owners would need to relinquish some decision-making power, Abdo reframed the issue.
"You can phrase it as giving up control or you can phrase it as being clarity and autonomy of decision-making," he said.
The proposed partnership comes as rugby league has seen significant growth in Australia over the past decade, while the sport in the UK contends with a crowded sporting landscape. The outcome of these talks could reshape the future of the European game.