Any NRL deal won't affect Saints' decisions - Ekoku

Abi Ekoku joined St Helens as their chief executive in April [SWPix] St Helens' day-to-day business will not be affected by whether or not Australia's National Rugby League (NRL) chooses to invest in Super League, Saints CEO Abi Ekoku has said. Talks are ongoing between the NRL and British officials over a potential ground-breaking deal between rugby league's two leading competitions. Ekoku joined St Helens following the departure of Mike Rush, having previously held the role as interim chief executive of the Rugby Football League.

"I'm not worried because whatever the NRL choose to do or not to do, we still have a club to run, a competition and a business to operate," Ekoku said. "So it doesn't affect our day‑to‑day decision making. It has an impact potentially on our broadcast deal but as an individual governing body, the RFL and RL Commercial is still pursuing a standalone deal.

There's nothing to say that a partnership can't be developed during that cycle as well. "Super League is 30 years old and we have a competition that will be here for another 30 years at least. " Super League in danger of 'crash', says V'landys St Helens appoint Ekoku as CEO after Rush departure 'We're not arrogant' - NRL chief says Super League talent will not be drained Talks between the two parties over potential investment from the NRL have been in process for several months, with a decision expected to be reached soon.

Ekoku was with the RFL when these talks began, prior to joining St Helens, but clarified that more detail was needed before a deal could be reached. "It's potentially an exciting opportunity. I've been fortunate to see it from both sides so there are some things I can say and some I can't," he added.