Leeds Rhinos, St Helens, Hull Kingston Rovers and Hull FC have all issued statements backing a proposed partnership between the National Rugby League (NRL) and the Super League, following criticism from Leigh Leopards owner Derek Beaumont. The clubs say the deal could be a landmark for the sport, while Beaumont has voiced opposition on social media, citing the inclusion of London Broncos in the top flight as a key sticking point.
Negotiations between the NRL and Super League have been underway for several months, with the Australian competition seeking a closer relationship with its northern counterpart. A central element of the talks is the expansion of the Super League to 15 teams from the 2027 season, which would see the London Broncos promoted. Beaumont has taken to Twitter to argue that “just not right to put London in Super League,” noting that the Broncos finished 16th in the current grading and would not have earned automatic promotion. He has also demanded a process similar to the one that saw Toulouse Olympique and York Knights elevated in 2026, which involved an independent panel review.
Despite Beaumont’s objections, the other clubs view the partnership as a “gamechanger” and a “defining moment” for rugby league in the northern hemisphere. Leeds Rhinos owner Paul Caddick said the Caddick Group “give their wholehearted support to a working arrangement between the Super League and NRL” and that it would “be a gamechanger for the sport in this country.” St Helens followed suit, reaffirming its long‑standing support for a strategic partnership as part of an exciting plan to globalise the sport. Hull KR and Hull FC released a joint statement, emphasising their united backing for the proposed partnership and describing it as a potential turning point for the future of rugby league.
The clubs’ statements come as the deadline for the vote on the partnership approaches. The Super League clubs are scheduled to cast their votes by the end of the week, with Beaumont announcing that he would vote against the deal. The outcome of the vote will determine whether the NRL’s investment and the expansion of the Super League to include the London Broncos will move forward. If approved, the partnership could bring increased financial resources, cross‑competition fixtures and a more aligned global rugby league calendar, while also raising questions about the competitive balance and the status of clubs outside the automatic promotion spots. The decision will be closely watched by fans and stakeholders across both leagues as the sport looks toward a potentially new era of international cooperation.