2027. Rugby League's Two Premier Club Competitions Have Been in Discussions for Most of This Year About a Deal That Would See the NRL Invest

The investment would also ensure the financial security of clubs. Talks were paused while both competitions finalised broadcast details; the NRL completed a A$5.3bn (£2.8bn) rights deal, and Super League expects to confirm its new broadcast deal within the next week, with Sky Sports expected to show two or three games weekly. The Guardian has been told by multiple clubs that Australian officials have visited or will visit them in the coming days to gauge the mood among clubs.

Super League's leading official, Rhodri Jones, said: "We're very hopeful that we'll make some significant progress with the NRL over the next seven days. We've been engaged with them since May but they've now done their TV deal, so I can say it feels like we're their top priority. Wigan and Warrington, the first Super League clubs to play in Las Vegas last year, have long advocated Australian investment.

Wigan CEO Kris Radlinski reiterated support on Wednesday at the announcement of their Dublin clash with Warrington at Leinster's RDS Arena on Saturday 24 April next year, saying: "100%. As we have been from the start. What they're doing in the NRL is fantastic.

The clubs hope for a capacity 20,000 crowd in Dublin, with Wigan likely to use Ireland rugby coach and Wigan legend Andy Farrell to promote the game. Hull FC are in talks about moving a home game on Sunday 25 April to the same venue for a weekend-long event.