Of the 14 clubs who will compete in the elite division in 2009, only Leeds, Hull and Warrington ticked enough boxes to earn A-grade status, based on facilities, playing standards, finance and junior development.

Three others – Bradford, St Helens and Wigan – were awarded B grades, which virtually makes them secure in Super League while eight clubs are classed as being at risk by being given C grades, including Wakefield, Castleford and newcomers Salford and Celtic Crusaders.

All 14 clubs were notified of their classification yesterday, along with feedback from their licence applications and for some there was a warning to improve or risk losing their licence in 2011.

Wakefield and Castleford will be expected to press ahead with plans to move to new stadia while such clubs as Huddersfield will be urged to increase junior development.

The RFL have confirmed that one club from the Co-operative National Leagues will be given a licence in 2011 subject to them meeting qualifying standards.

This includes playing in a Grand Final between now and 2010.
Their promotion will either be at the expense of an existing club or through further expansion to 16 teams.

Meanwhile, the RFL have invited France to enter one of their domestic clubs into National League One from either 2009 or 2010.

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