Australian Rugby League Commission Chair John Grant predicts National Rugby League games will be taken overseas "in the next one to two years," according to Adrian Proszenko of the SYDNEY MORNING HERALD. The 2025 World Cup will be staged in the U.S., and Rugby League Central is "keen take marquee events over there in the lead-up." The first step is broadcasting games in America from next season, "although taking competition games could soon follow." Grant said, "You're already seeing the conversations being had at club level; it's something the clubs are talking about. We need to work to enable that. I would think we'll see that mapping out in the next one to two years. I'd be very surprised if we don't have one or two [NRL] games played in international markets. I'd be very surprised if there aren't promoters out there willing to take this on." England and New Zealand are "poised" to play test matches in the U.S. from next season, but Grant believes that is "just the beginning." He said, "I am an internationalist. ... We've got to start focusing on the international environment and that means clubs in our league, the NRL need to lift their eyes" (SMH, 12/16).
