NRL’s $5 billion TV windfall will put more strain on Australian rugby

June 28, 2026 — 1:33pm

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The Junior Wallabies began their world championship campaign with a 90-22 win against Spain in Georgia on Sunday morning (AEST).

They look like a powerful and skilful side, well equipped to take on France in the crucial pool game on July 7.

But the longer-term challenge will be keeping their best players in the code once the NRL’s enormous new broadcast deal, reported to be worth $5 billion, comes into being.

Junior Wallabies No.10 Finn Mackay and No.12 Treyvon Pritchard were very slick, challenging the line with their running games. Neither overplayed their hand in a disciplined performance as the Wallabies forwards showed their power.

Mackay, Pritchard and others will be part of a generation of players coming into their own just as the NRL’s spending power increases from 2028 onwards.

Australian rugby has a massive challenge on its hands because there will be no home World Cup or British and Irish Lions series to dangle as a carrot to keep them in the game.

The newly announced Anzac Day Bledisloe Tests in Brisbane in 2027, 2029 and 2031 will have appeal for players, but that might not be enough to keep the NRL wolves from the door.

Meanwhile, France-based prop Lehopa Leota copped a yellow card for the Junior Wallabies, but otherwise, he left a positive impression. He can certainly move for a big man – his first........

© The Sydney Morning Herald