‘He’s taken it a bit far’: NRL legend Luke Keary faces sanctions as ‘unwatchable’ Super League fires back

A prominent official from British rugby league has deemed Luke Keary’s remarks regarding the “appalling” state of the Super League as “over the top”.

In a conversation with Wide World of Sports, Keary criticises the standard of the game’s coverage and broadcasting, labelling it “unwatchable” and describing the overall product as “appalling”.

On Friday morning, Rhodri Jones, the managing director of RL Commercial – the commercial division of the RFL – responded, asserting that both television viewership and match-day attendance have improved.

“His comments are certainly dramatic. I woke up this morning and found them quite theatrical,” he shared with BBC radio.

“Luke is entitled to his opinion, but I don’t necessarily concur with his perspective.”

“Looking at our side of things, we are experiencing a very successful season. Attendance figures are on the rise, and our TV audiences across both Sky Sports and BBC are increasing.”

“Perhaps Luke, being in France, might be somewhat disconnected from the overall positivity regarding the game here in the UK.”

Keary has relocated to France to play for Catalans in 2025 and has expressed surprise at the disparities between the Super League and the NRL.

He mentioned that all players are in favour of NRL involvement.

“If the NRL doesn’t invest, they could be in a lot of trouble… all the players are open to it,” he remarked to Wide World of Sports.

“I’ll be clear: the Super League is in dire straits, the situation here is terrible.”

“The product, the coverage, the news surrounding the game is non-existent. It’s non-existent. You watch the matches, and they’re almost unwatchable. The way Sky handle it, or whoever broadcasts it now, makes it nearly impossible to follow, and the players all know it. I can’t even keep up with it, and I’m part of the game.”

Sources suggest Keary may face significant penalties from the RFL and Catalans due to his frank comments.

Jones described Keary’s statements as the perspective of someone newly emerged from the “Sydney bubble”.

Keary enjoyed victories in the NRL with the Rabbitohs and Roosters during his decade-long career in Australia before venturing to France.

Catch the 2025 NRL premiership live and free on Nine and 9Now.

“I understand Luke has played at the pinnacle of the sport in Australia – the NRL is comparable to the Premier League here,” he commented on BBC radio.

“The Sydney market is saturated with media coverage; it’s on the front page and back page continuously. That’s the environment he is accustomed to.”

Jones believes the Super League is “on the right path” in its collaboration with the NRL and highlighted the competition’s reach in Las Vegas.

This upcoming weekend, the Super League will also be hosting its own Magic Round at St James’ Park in Newcastle.

Jones expressed hope that Keary’s experience in the Magic weekend, followed by a Challenge Cup semi-final against Hull KR the following weekend, will provide him with a “different perspective on the Super League.”

“I was taken aback by his comments. I even spoke with his club this morning, and they too were surprised. They might be a bit disappointed with how sensationalised his remarks were,” Jones added.

“It’s unfortunate. I had the chance to meet Luke for the first time a couple of weeks ago. He inquired about the NRL, and I provided a candid response, indicating that we are engaging in discussions and fostering a positive relationship with them, with Vegas and the rugby league Ashes being a couple of examples.”

“There’s plenty of ongoing dialogue with the NRL, but speculation from both sides continues.”

“At this juncture, who can speculate what the future holds? It’s an intriguing time, and I’m sure we’ll cross paths over the weekend as well.”

“I believe there are numerous initiatives we can undertake to help persuade him that perhaps he has been somewhat excessive in his critique.”