Keary described Super League as "horrendous" and "unwatchable" Rugby League Commercial managing director Rhodri Jones has defended the quality of the Super League, dismissing Luke Keary's criticism of the competition as "over-dramatic". In an interview with Wide World of Sports, former Sydney Roosters and South Sydney Rabbitohs star Keary, who joined Catalans Dragons in 2025, described Super League as "horrendous" and "unwatchable" and said clubs are "on their knees begging" for NRL investment. The NRL, Australia's premier competition, has been linked with purchasing a 33% stake in Super League, including taking full administrative control. "If [the NRL] don't buy it, they're in a lot of trouble. All the players are open to it," said Keary, who switched to play from Australia to Ireland in 2022. "[The Super League] is in such a bad way, the game is horrendous over here. "It's the product, the coverage, the news around the game, there is zero. You watch the games, they're near unwatchable. The coverage and everything, and because we're in French, they don't show the games. "One thing I've appreciated over here, seeing the state of the Super League [is] how good of a place [the NRL] is in. They're literally on their knees begging for the NRL [to buy in]. The players all want it." Responding to Keary's comments on BBC Radio 5 Live, Jones confirmed conversations between Super League and NRL are ongoing and said the two organisations have a "positive working relationship". While he understands Keary's position, based on his successful career in Australia, he believes Super League is "heading in the right direction" and pinpointed a number of upcoming events which he hopes will change his opinion. "[The comments] were dramatic. Luke's entitled to his own opinion, though I'm not in agreement with what he has to say," Jones said. "Our figures are showing that we're having a very positive season. Our attendances are up, our TV audience, both across Sky Sports and BBC, are up. "[Being in France] he might be a little bit out of the mainstream in terms of seeing the positivity for the game in the UK, but he'll get a real feel for that this weekend with Magic Weekend at St James' Park where he'll play in front of 65,000 people against Leigh Leopards. "Luke has played at the top of the game in Australia and the game in Australia is very much akin to the Premier League over here. "We're heading in the right direction. You saw us in Las Vegas earlier in the season with Wigan and Warrington. The Ashes are coming here in the autumn with two sell-out crowds at Everton and Headingley [and] Wembley over 30,000 tickets sold. "We've got Magic Weekend this weekend which is raising the profile of the competition and he'll also be involved in a sell-out next weekend in the Challenge Cup semi-final against Hull KR. "Luke's been in the competition for nine rounds, he's been in France [and] out of the mainstream. We can do a lot of things that can convince him that he's been a little over-dramatic in his comments."
Jones defends Super League after Keary criticism
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Jones Responds to Keary's Criticism of Super League Quality"
Bbc News
6.1
TruthLens AI Summary
Rhodri Jones, the managing director of Rugby League Commercial, has publicly defended the Super League in response to former player Luke Keary's harsh criticism. Keary, who recently transitioned from the NRL to play for the Catalans Dragons, labeled the Super League as 'horrendous' and 'unwatchable,' claiming that clubs are struggling financially and are desperately seeking investment from the NRL. He expressed concerns that if the NRL does not acquire a 33% stake in the Super League, it would lead to significant challenges for the league. Keary's comments highlighted his perception of the competition's poor quality, lack of coverage, and the overall state of the game in France, suggesting that the Super League is lagging far behind the NRL in terms of quality and viewership.
In response, Jones acknowledged Keary's viewpoint but deemed his remarks as overly dramatic. He emphasized that Super League is currently experiencing a positive season, with rising attendance figures and increased television viewership. Jones pointed out that Keary's perspective might be skewed due to his time spent outside of the UK, and he invited him to experience the upcoming Magic Weekend, which promises to showcase the league's appeal with a large audience expected at St James' Park. Jones also cited various events, such as the Ashes series and the Challenge Cup semi-final, that he believes will demonstrate the growth and potential of the Super League. He expressed confidence that the competition is on an upward trajectory and underscored the importance of maintaining a constructive relationship with the NRL, which could benefit both leagues in the long run.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The news article highlights a conflict of opinion between former rugby player Luke Keary and Rhodri Jones, managing director of Rugby League Commercial, regarding the current state of the Super League. This disagreement reflects broader concerns about the league's viability and its relationship with the NRL.
Purpose of the Article
The article serves to defend the Super League against criticism from Keary, who describes it as "horrendous" and "unwatchable." By presenting Jones's counterarguments, the article aims to reassure fans and stakeholders that the Super League is improving and has ongoing positive developments. This attempt to shape public perception suggests the necessity of counteracting negative views that could affect the league's reputation and its potential for future investments.
Public Perception
The intention appears to be creating a more favorable narrative around the Super League. By framing Keary's comments as "over-dramatic," the article seeks to diminish the weight of his criticism and highlight the positive aspects of the league, such as increased attendance and viewership. This strategy is likely aimed at maintaining fan engagement and investor confidence.
Potential Omissions
While the article emphasizes Jones's optimistic perspective, it may downplay the severity of Keary's concerns about the league’s struggles. The lack of in-depth analysis regarding the specific issues facing the Super League could indicate an effort to avoid highlighting negative aspects that might deter support or investment.
Manipulative Aspects
The article has a notable degree of manipulation, reflecting an intention to reshape the narrative surrounding the Super League. It employs language that minimizes dissenting opinions, which can be seen as an attempt to control the dialogue about the league's quality and future. By selectively presenting information, it cultivates a more positive image while potentially sidelining valid criticisms.
Reliability of the Content
The reliability of the article is moderate; it presents Jones's views as a counterbalance to Keary's criticisms but does not offer a comprehensive view of the challenges the Super League faces. This selective representation suggests a bias towards promoting the league rather than providing an unbiased assessment.
Connections with Other News
This article fits within a larger context of sports reporting that often seeks to portray leagues and teams in a favorable light, especially when facing criticism. It could be connected to other narratives about the evolving landscape of rugby leagues and their competitiveness in a global context.
Impact on Society and Economy
The article may influence public interest in the Super League and its financial health, which could affect sponsorship deals and investments. If the league is perceived positively, it may attract more fans and investors, but continued criticism could lead to economic challenges.
Target Audience
The report seems to target fans of the Super League, stakeholders in rugby, and potential investors, trying to foster confidence and support for the league's future. By addressing a mixture of criticism and potential, it aims to engage a broad audience.
Market Influence
In terms of market impact, the article may indirectly affect shares of companies involved in sports broadcasting or sponsorships related to rugby. Positive portrayals can lead to increased investment, while negative perceptions could have the opposite effect.
Global Power Dynamics
While the article focuses on a specific sporting context, its implications could resonate within broader discussions about sports management, investment, and international competition. The relationship between the Super League and NRL is a microcosm of larger economic and competitive dynamics in global sports.
AI Influence
There is no explicit indication that AI was used in the article's composition. However, if AI were involved, it might have influenced the tone and structure, emphasizing a narrative that minimizes dissent and highlights positivity.
In conclusion, while the article attempts to present a balanced view by including Jones's defense, the overall narrative leans towards promoting the Super League without fully addressing the substantial critiques raised by Keary. This selective focus raises questions about the overall reliability and completeness of the reporting.