Rugby league commentator Matty Johns has proposed a bold transformation of the English Super League as speculation grows over a potential investment from the NRL.
Speaking on SEN League's Run Home, Johns outlined the mutual benefit that could be realised through a strong relationship between both leagues.
His proposal involved shifting the English competition back to a winter schedule so that a player exchange system could be facilitated.
"I would seriously look at moving the Super League back to a winter sport!"
— SEN League (@SENLeague) April 29, 2025
@mattyjohnsaus wants to see the NRL move the Super League back to Winter so NRL players can play short stints there like Joey in 2005!
Would you be in favour of this?#NRL #pneutech pic.twitter.com/hK4aXyZWeE
"If the NRL were to purchase 30% but also become a major shareholder, I would look at pushing the English game back to a winter season so that their best players come and play in our competition and our best can go and have guest stints over there," he said.
The example that was used in his pitch was Manly's Tom Trbojevic, drawing parallels between the superstar fullback and rugby league immortal Andrew Johns.
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"Imagine Manly get knocked out and Tom Trobojevic decides to go over there and play four games for Hull," he said.
"What that does to the English game – Joey went to Warrington for a three-game stint and someone showed me on YouTube or TikTok, Andrew being there meant there was national interest in him playing there."
According to Sydney Morning Herald journalist Michael Chammas, high-level discussions are already taking place between major stakeholders looking to invest in English clubs, which would provide a greater basis for transcontinental player movement.
"I can tell you that Nick Politis (Roosters chairman) and Sydney Roosters have had some conversations with the NRL," Chammas told 100% Footy.
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The idea of cross-pollination between competitions has attracted significant interest from disgruntled players currently playing in the Super League.
Former Roosters star Luke Keary, who now plays for the Catalans Dragons, spoke out about their desire for NRL powerbrokers to support the English league.
"If (the NRL) don't buy it, they're in a lot of trouble ... all the players are open to it," he told Wide World of Sports.
As talks continue, Johns' proposal offers a blueprint for a more commercially viable and interconnected future for the game.