NRL will use a potential $20 million annual windfall from point-of-consumption gambling taxes to address its lack of assets and lessen the reliance on the State of Origin and grand final cash cows.

Fairfax Media has revealed the code had made representations to the state government for a slice of the new tax formalised in this week’s state budget, the NRL is tipped to plough the money into its embryonic investment portfolio.

Despite the possibility of the money being used for minor upgrades to Sydney’s old suburban grounds, it’s understood League Central wants to use the increased revenue stream to add assets to its cash-rich state.

Independent commissioner Dr Gary Weiss has been charged with crafting an investment plan for the NRL, which trumpeted strong half-yearly results when it presented to club chairpersons and chief executives last week.

Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter Beattie hasn’t hidden his concern that the game owns little despite being on track to post a $45m surplus for its financial year, while the AFL basks in the purchase of Etihad Stadium less than two years ago.

The betting industry has been a source of increased income for the NRL, who waged a months-long protracted dispute with Australia’s biggest bookmakers over the product fees they should pay to offer markets on the sport.

A new deal was struck less than a week before the Origin series opener – and after almost three months of temporary agreements being rolled over.