Hull FC and Hull KR owners back Super League's proposed NRL partnership

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The owners of Hull FC and Hull KR have issued a joint statement backing the proposed partnership between Super League and the NRL. Love Rugby League reports that Andrew Thirkill of Hull FC and Neil Hudgell of Hull KR have put their cross city rivalry aside to support the deal. That alone shows how significant this moment could be for the sport

Under the reported plan, Super League would become a 15 team competition in 2027 with London Broncos added. Leeds Rhinos and St Helens have also come out in favour. Leigh owner Derek Beaumont said on Sunday he would vote against the deal, so it is not unanimous

Hudgell said that having worked with the NRL before, they understand the expertise and opportunities it could bring. Thirkill described rugby league as a wonderful sport with passionate supporters, proud traditions and enormous untapped potential. Together they said the long term future of the game is more important than any club rivalry

The NRL is reported to have set a deadline only days away. Thirkill urged that the deal be finalised in the coming days, referring to Peter V'landys and the ARLC. The pressure is on the other clubs to decide where they stand

There is a lot to like about the idea of closer links with the NRL, which has the money, profile and commercial know how that Super League has lacked. Questions remain about governance and what it means for smaller clubs. But seeing two fierce rivals stand together suggests real momentum behind the plan

Would an NRL partnership be good for Super League? And should more owners follow Hull's lead?

Hull FC, Hull KR owners back NRL deal in landmark joint statementwww.loverugbyleague.com