Under sports marketing experts IMG’s radical ‘reimagining rugby league’ overhaul, teams will be graded on factors including fanbase, stadium, finances and catchment area, as well as playing record.
Clubs with an A grade will be guaranteed a Super League spot, thus becoming exempt from relegation. The rest of the top-flight will be made up of the best-ranked B grade clubs.
With illustrative grades due to be announced on Wednesday, here’s a look at 22 of the top clubs’ strengths and weaknesses and an – unscientific – assessment of their possible grade.
13. London Broncos
Strengths: Promoted to Super League for 2024, capital city club, nice stadium and impressive development of local players. Weaknesses: Have gone part-time since relegation in 2019, struggle to attract crowds. Predicted grade: Upper B. Photo: Olly Hassell/SWpix.com
14. St Helens
Strengths: Everything, similar to Leeds - own their stadium, outstanding youth development, the most successful team on the field. Weaknesses: Nothing major, but as of this season they don’t have a wheelchair team. Predicted grade: A. Photo: Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com
15. Salford Red Devils
Strengths: City team with a large catchment area. Weaknesses: Poorly supported, don’t own their stadium, limited capital and no history of junior development. Predicted grade: HIgher B. Photo: Will Palmer/SWpix.com
16. Sheffield Eagles
Strengths: City club, no close rivals. Weaknesses: The stadium isn’t Super League standard, out of Super League since the 2000s, not well supported. Predicted grade: Lower B. Photo: Matthew Merrick/SWpix.com
17. Toulouse Olympique
Strengths: No local competition, big city team. Weaknesses: Failed in Super League, don't attract big crowds. Predicted grade: HIgher B. Photo: Manuel Blondeau/SWpix.com
18. Wakefield Trinity
Strengths: City team, redeveloped stadium, new wealthy owner. Weaknesses: Most are being put right now, but they haven't reached a major final in the summer era and were relegated in 2023. Predicted grade: Higher B. Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com