LATEST NRL TV RIGHTS UPDATE • Foxtel has proposed a multibillion-dollar seven-year deal that would see it acquire the NRL rights before splitting free-to-air coverage across multiple broadcasters. • Foxtel has tabled a 7-year, $4 billion proposal for the NRL’s next broadcast deal, running through to 2034. • Under the proposal, Foxtel/Kayo would purchase the rights in full before sublicensing free-to-air games to Seven and Network 10. • Proposed split: Seven: Sunday games, Monday games and State of Origin. Network 10: Thursday and Friday night matches. Foxtel/Kayo: Streaming rights plus exclusive Saturday matches. (As is now) • The deal would achieve Peter V’landys’ long-stated goal of securing a $4 billion rights agreement. • Sources claim Foxtel’s offer is worth more than Nine’s previous bid, which was reportedly valued between $550m-$600m per year over five years. • Nine had previously explored buying all NRL rights itself to boost Stan and potentially remove Foxtel from the game for the first time in 30 years. • Foxtel believes it can structure the deal within Australia’s anti-siphoning laws by sublicensing marquee content to free-to-air broadcasters. • Some legal experts have questioned whether such an arrangement aligns with the intent of anti-siphoning legislation. • Amazon remains in the race after previously bidding for two exclusive matches per round for Prime Video, though exclusivity demands reportedly stalled talks with Foxtel. • The NRL views a split-broadcast model as a way to increase reach and exposure, particularly as it pushes into expansion markets like Perth. • Concerns remain that having matches spread across multiple broadcasters could create confusion for fans. • Seven’s AFL commitments limit where NRL content can be scheduled, which is why Sunday, Monday and Origin are viewed as the most likely allocation. • The NRL had hoped to finalise a new broadcast deal before CEO Andrew Abdo departs for Tennis Australia on July 1. (AFR) Full link: afr.com/companies/sport/foxt…

Arise, Sir Kevin! Rugby legend Sinfield to be knighted in Birthday Honours mirror.co.uk/news/politics/k…

Paraguay got quite the send off in their friendly vs. Nicaragua before leaving for the World Cup

73' Try, Catalans. Chris Satae crashes over next to the posts. Sexton converts. 🐉 16-34 🍒 | #WWRL #SLCATWIG

New Player Signing 🚨 We are delighted to confirm the signing of experienced Super League centre Toby King on a two-year contract from 2027. The 29-year-old joins the club from Warrington Wolves and becomes a significant addition to the squad as we continue to push towards the Super League. #wearelondon #relentlesspursuit

Following the Betfred Challenge Cup Final, the Match Review Panel has charged Harry Smith with a Grade B Head Contact resulting in a one match ban. Sam Walters has received a seven match suspension following a Grade F Dangerous Throw/Lift charge. #WWRL #ChallengeCup

The RFL today pays tribute to John Kear, who died suddenly on Sunday afternoon returning north from Wembley, having been part of the BBC’s commentary team for the Challenge Cup Finals Our thoughts and condolences are with John’s wife Dawn, his family and friends

THRILLER 🤯

theguardian.com/sport/no-hel… "I thought Denis was scary but he’s a teddy bear. He has 5 daughters so knows how girls work. At first, when girls cried he said ‘I don’t know what to do!’ He's a considerate coach. And he can’t shout at us – literally, he can only growl!” @WiganWarriorsRL

LITTLER WINS THE PREMIER LEAGUE! ☢️ What an INCREDIBLE final 👏 Luke Littler claims his second BetMGM Premier League title, holding his nerve in a dramatic last-leg decider against Luke Humphries in a remarkable final 🔥

ORIGIN EPIC 🤯🔵