Super League IMG grading: Leeds Rhinos, Wigan, Hull FC and others' strengths and weaknesses analysed

From 2025, it will take more than performance on the field to secure a place in Betfred Super League.

By Peter Smith

Published 26th Apr 2023, 06:00 BST

Updated 24th Oct 2023, 18:17 BST

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.

Strengths: Good recent playing record and stadium. Weaknesses: Limited support, close to several other Kirklees clubs. Predicted grade: Lower B.

1. Batley Bulldogs

Strengths: Good recent playing record and stadium. Weaknesses: Limited support, close to several other Kirklees clubs. Predicted grade: Lower B. Photo: Alex Broadway/SWpix.com

Strengths: A big city club with a junior development system and an established women’s team. Weaknesses: The stadium isn’t up to scratch and not theirs, supporter base has declined, poor recent playing record, despite some improvement this year. Predicted grade: Lower B.

2. Bradford Bulls

Strengths: A big city club with a junior development system and an established women’s team. Weaknesses: The stadium isn’t up to scratch and not theirs, supporter base has declined, poor recent playing record, despite some improvement this year. Predicted grade: Lower B. Photo: Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com

Strengths: Plans to revamp the stadium, in the top-flight since 2008, well supported from their local population. Weaknesses: Stadium is currently sub-standard, one of three clubs in the Wakefield borough. Predicted grade: Higher B.

3. Castleford Tigers

Strengths: Plans to revamp the stadium, in the top-flight since 2008, well supported from their local population. Weaknesses: Stadium is currently sub-standard, one of three clubs in the Wakefield borough. Predicted grade: Higher B. Photo: John Clifton/SWpix.com

Strengths: Good corporate income, playing record - including two Grand Finals in three years - and support base, developing young talent and large catchment area. Weaknesses: Struggle to pin down a TV deal. Predicted grade: Higher B.

4. Catalans Dragons

Strengths: Good corporate income, playing record - including two Grand Finals in three years - and support base, developing young talent and large catchment area. Weaknesses: Struggle to pin down a TV deal. Predicted grade: Higher B. Photo: Manuel Blondeau/SWpix.com

Strengths: Own their own ground and the land around it. Weaknesses: One of three teams in Wakefield, no Super League history, small catchment area and fan base. Predicted grade: Higher B.

5. Featherstone Rovers

Strengths: Own their own ground and the land around it. Weaknesses: One of three teams in Wakefield, no Super League history, small catchment area and fan base. Predicted grade: Higher B. Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com

Strengths: Decent playing facilities. Weaknesses: Don’t own the stadium, close to other clubs, out of Super League for more than 20 years. Predicted grade: Lower B.

6. Halifax Panthers

Strengths: Decent playing facilities. Weaknesses: Don’t own the stadium, close to other clubs, out of Super League for more than 20 years. Predicted grade: Lower B. Photo: Olly Hassell/SWpix.com

Super League Wigan Hull FC