London: The world is about to have another prime minister who is disgusted with rugby league – and it will be a leadership breakdown in London, not Canberra, that will achieve that.
The man who looks set to lead Britain in a few weeks, the Labor leadership candidate Andy Burnhamhas vowed to do more to support the game so that it can gain more players and supporters across the country.
His comments at the weekend’s rugby league match highlighted his shared interest with fellow Australian Anthony Albanese, and may signal the government’s strong support for the game in England.
Burnham, a former mayor of Greater Manchester, was president of the Rugby Football League a decade ago and is a long-time supporter of the game, which has a strong support base in the north of England.
“I think this game needs more – it’s a great spectacle,” he said at the Super League Magic Weekend, a tournament played over a few days.
The links between Australian and English competitions go back several decades. Australian players have often spent time in England teams and one – AJ Brimson of the Gold Coast Titans – he even played for England in the Ashes series against Australia last year.
Burnham is supporting Leigh Leopards, located in the west of Manchester and near Makerfield, the electorate he won last month to return to the House of Commons and seek the leadership.
A fan since the 1980s, Burnham is honorary vice-president of the Leigh team. Another team, Wigan Warriors, is close.
Another key figure in the Labor party in parliament, Lindsay Hoyle, the speaker of the House of Commons, supports Warrington Wolves.
“I think rugby league deserves more,” Burnham told Sky Sports while attending the championship weekend.
“Where is the recognition of rugby league more widely? Where is the investment in the grass roots?
“We have a fantastic infrastructure in Wigan Borough, but they do a lot themselves, and I would like to see more support for the game at every level.
“And it’s great to see the women’s and girls’ game flourishing as well. So, you’ll have two strong backers throughout the program.”
Burnham has done it there is no secret to his plan seeking the Labor leadership and replacing Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who announced on June 22 he would resign. Nominations for the leadership will open on July 9 and no other contenders have emerged, putting Burnham in line to become prime minister once nominations close on July 16.
Albanese, a supporter of the South Sydney Rabbitohs, has made his enjoyment of the game an important part of his political identity. The game has also been considered in Australian diplomacy, given government funding for integration initiatives team from Papua New Guinea in the National Rugby League in 2028.
Former prime minister, Scott Morrison, often spoke of his support for the Cronulla Sharks. Former prime ministers Tony Abbott and John Howard support the Manly Sea Eagles and St George Dragons respectively.
Burnham spoke about rugby league during the weekend’s match at Hill Dickinson Stadium, home of Premier League side Everton. He is also an Everton supporter.
In his interview, however, he went into controversial territory by suggesting soccer fans should be allowed to enjoy their beer in their seats while watching the game, just as rugby league fans can.
“I just have one question about this day today,” he said on social media on Sunday, noting fans drinking during the game.
“How come these guys can do that in my seat here when we can’t do that at Everton’s home game? There’s something wrong there, we need to look at that.”
Drinking alcohol in a football seat has been banned since 1985 under UK law to prevent football hooliganism.
Burnham’s open plan to review the legislation comes as he gives few interviews and makes no major policy statements beyond his broad pledge to devolve more power to the regions and set up “Number 10 North” to run some of the prime minister’s office from Manchester.
Get direct mail from our visitors journalists on what is making headlines around the world. Sign up for our weekly What in the World newsletter.
David Crowe is the Europe correspondent for The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age.Connect through X or email address.
