The times are changing in Super League, perhaps best epitomised by the fact there is an unfamiliar name now sitting at the summit as the season settles into a rhythm in some style following the pomp and circumstance of Las Vegas last weekend, with Hull FC and Leigh Leopards playing out a pulsating 2-22 draw here.
Wigan and Warrington were tasked with taking Super League Stateside to spread the message to the world but, perhaps more importantly, to the NRL: who are now seriously ramping up their intent to take a controlling stake in British rugby league’s premiere competition and revitalise its off-field fortunes.
And if the key powerbrokers had woken up early down under to see what they could be purchasing in terms of an on-field product, they would have certainly been heartened here. Leigh and Hull came into this season with differing expectations, given how the Leopards were within one game of the Grand Final in 2024 and Hull limped to 11th place.
But it is clear both these sides will be confident of not only challenging at the right end of Super League this year, but also to be under consideration for the Vegas trip in 2026, with all 12 teams invited to lodge their interest this week. The pair delivered a high-quality, gripping contest here: everything Super League is renowned for.
And in the end, they couldn’t be split after 90 minutes of incredible drama. Hull, revitalised under John Cartwright, forced extra time after Lewis Martin’s try on the hooter having trailed by only six at the break despite having two men sent to the sin-bin. Their spirit and endeavour under new coach John Cartwright is clear for all to see.
But this Leigh side, who were in the Championship three years ago, are now bona fide title contenders. Two tries from their outstanding new full-back, David Armstrong, looked to have clinched it before Martin’s late try but even with a hard-earned point, they go top of Super League for the first time in their history.
“I think it’s a fair result,” their coach, Adrian Lam, reflected. “It’ll have been good to watch on TV. I can’t question their effort.” His opposite number, Cartwright, shared a similar view. “The heart is still racing. We kept chasing them and the effort was outstanding.”
As evidenced here, Super League’s on-field product is unquestionable, which is partly why the NRL want in. But they also see a strong British game as key for their plans to grow the sport worldwide, with Vegas and the United States sporting market central to that. They are expected to lodge an offer in the coming weeks.
And they potentially come on board at an intriguing time for the British game. There is no doubting the competition delivers drama and entertainment – but sometimes, it has too much of that away from the field, and Salford Red Devils have been a prime example of that in recent weeks.
Their players will take to the field against Castleford on Friday night having been paid a week later than originally expected, with funding delays surrounding their new takeover leaving them in special measures and bound by salary cap restrictions imposed upon them by the Rugby Football League.
Then there are plans from several clubs to try and oust the RFL’s chair, Simon Johnson, and bring back the former CEO, Nigel Wood – who is now chairman of Championship side Bradford. Those proposals will be heard next week: and you can be sure the NRL will be listening closely. They want to buy a competition with minimal in-fighting.
But if the NRL can somehow straighten up Super League’s off-field financial picture and its constant boardroom drama, games like this underline how they have one heck of a product to build upon. All the ingredients are there: it just needs the right leadership.
