Leeds Rhinos have retained second place in the 2026 club gradings, behind new leaders Wakefield Trinity.

The ranking table is also good news for Castleford Tigers who, despite a tough year on the pitch, rose from 11th to eighth and regained grade A status, having dropped to B 12 months ago. Clubs were assessed on fandom, finance, stadium, community and on-field performance, with the rankings deciding which competition they’ll play in next year.

Rhinos’ score slipped by a quarter of a point to 17.03 out of a maximum 20, comfortably ahead of the 15 marks needed for an A grade which guarantees a place in Super League. On the back of last week’s Grand Final win, which earned them 0.75 points, Trinity stormed up the rankings from eighth spot in 2025.

Leeds Rhinos remain second in the club rankings after retaining grade A status. Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com.

Their score of 17.85 is the joint-highest awarded since the system began, equalling Hull KR’s mark from last season. They also recorded the biggest year-on-year increase of any club at +2.38 points.

Tigers’ score climbed by 0.37 to 15.03. Other clubs with an A grade are Grand Final runners-up Warrington Wolves (16.72), Super League leaders and Challenge Cup winners Wigan Warriors (16.46), World Club champions Hull KR (16.45), Leigh Leopards (16.31) and St Helens (15.59).

Catalans Dragons (14.83) and Hull FC (14.72) have declined from grade A to B, tumbling from seventh and ninth respectively in the rankings to to ninth and 10th. The same clubs as last year occupy the top 14 places, meaning all will remain part of the elite division in 2027. Super League clubs with a B grade are Bradford Bulls (13.93), Huddersfield Giants (13.50), Toulouse Olympique (13.44) and York Knights (13.24).

From this year taking part in the grading process was not mandatory and eight Championship outfits didn’t submit data. Of the 12 who did, five were graded B with the rest achieving a C mark, including south Leeds outfit Hunslet who scored 6.64.

Wakefield Trinity have risen to the top of the club ranking table after their Super League Grand Final win. Picture by Olly Hassell/SWpix.com.

Second-tier champions London Broncos were ranked 16th. Broncos are expected to be elevated to the top-flight, despite being ranked behind second-tier rivals Barrow Raiders, as a condition of the southern hemisphere NRL’s planned investment in Super League. That is likely to be ratified next month.

Trinity are the fourth different club in as many years to take top spot since the process began in 2023, following Leeds Rhinos, St Helens two years ago and 2024 leaders Hull KR. Wakefield received an indicative score of 12.52 in 2023 - ranking 11th - when they were relegated, but achieved an A grade the following year.

New RFL chief executive Ian Nolan said: “Wakefield Trinity’s rise to the top of the 2026 club grading rankings is a fascinating story for rugby league and a strong example of how sustained progress on and off the field can be recognised through the grading framework. Their achievement sits alongside encouraging movement across the sport, from growing attendances and digital audiences to continued improvements in facilities and community delivery. The RFL will keep working with clubs to support responsible growth, long-term resilience and the strongest possible future for the professional game.”