V’landys said that there is no concrete offer in place for the NRL to buy into Super League, but added that any deal would depend on the creation of an independent governing body.<\/p>\n
Asked about the NRL taking a Super League stake, he said: “We could. That’s an option, if that’s what they want us to do.<\/p>\n
“There has to be structural corporate governance change for that to happen. You need an independent body to operate the competition and that’s one of the reasons Australia has been so successful in rugby league. It’s totally independent. <\/p>\n
“You’ve got to have independent decision making, because the independent decision making always acts in the best interests of the game as a whole and not for individual interest groups.<\/p>\n
“We’re just here out of loyalty to Mike Danson and Simon Moran to listen, and if there is a way we can help, we will help. But we’re not here to force ourselves on anyone or be part of anything. We’re here to listen and hopefully be able to assist.”<\/p>\n
V’landys saw Australia beat England 26-6 at Wembley on Saturday, in front of 60,812 fans, a record crowd for a Rugby League Ashes Test in the UK.<\/p>\n
He argues that is proof of the interest in the sport in England – but feels the game’s authorities have not helped themselves, suggesting a city the size of London should have a team in Super League.<\/p>\n
London Broncos, who are subject to Australian investment with Kangaroos legend Darren Lockyer among their backers, missed out on a place in the recently expanded Super League for next season.<\/p>\n
Instead, Bradford Bulls were promoted earlier this month at the expense of Salford Red Devils under the competition’s grading system, and Toulouse and York selected to join them by an independent panel.<\/p>\n