The $5 billion deal would keep the sporting code with its current media partners and hand the NRL more money than the AFL’s rival arrangement.

The powerful sports administrator wants a more lucrative deal than the AFL. A deal in New Zealand is the first step towards securing one.

The agreement, which could be signed as early as next week, will become the most expensive sports broadcast deal in the country’s history.

The $5 billion deal would keep the sporting code with its current media partners and hand the NRL more money than the AFL’s rival arrangement.

The $5 billion deal would keep the sporting code with its current media partners and hand the NRL more money than the AFL’s rival arrangement.

Australian reports say a $A5 billion deal has been agreed for NRL rights for seven years.

NRL players are set for a windfall pay rise as the code nears a record Australian broadcast rights deal. Months of negotiations loom before that happens.