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How does the criteria compare to what we previously had?

I wonder what the impact will be on reviewing it yearly?

I wonder how realistic it is for there to be enough teams getting A grade in a few years to grow the number of clubs playing super league. Clubs in theory can achieve maximum in all criteria apart from performance.

THE FIRST OFFICIAL CLUB GRADINGS ARE TODAY PUBLISHED AS PART OF RUGBY LEAGUE’S LONG-TERM STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP WITH IMG – AND WHICH DETERMINE MEMBERSHIP OF THE BETFRED SUPER LEAGUE IN 2025.

Wigan Warriors are pleased to be one of nine clubs to have secured an ‘A’ grading which guarantees a place in Super League.

The others include Wakefield Trinity, who were relegated from the Super League in 2023 and received a B grade in the illustrative gradings that were released last autumn.

Wakefield’s near neighbours Castleford Tigers, and the 2023 Betfred Challenge Cup winners Leigh Leopards, have joined Trinity in climbing from B to A in the gradings – again, both as a result of substantial improvements made in all areas since 2023.

Wigan Warriors are second in the rankings on 16.91, Leeds Rhinos third on 16.84 and Warrington Wolves (16.27), Hull KR (15.97) and Catalans Dragons (15.52) also retain their A grading. Hull FC (14.51), Huddersfield Giants (14.48) and Salford Red Devils (13.97) are the three B-graded clubs who will complete the 2025 Betfred Super League.

Outside the top 12 positions, London Broncos and Keighley Cougars have been the biggest improvers – although 20 of the 35 clubs increased their scores from the illustrative gradings of 2023.

The Broncos have converted their illustrative grading of 8.07 to 12.65, climbing from 24th to 14th in the rankings, while Keighley have risen from 30th to 19th, with the increase in their score from 6.58 to 9.02 meaning they have also improved their grade from C to B.

Barrow Raiders and York RLFC have also risen in the rankings of B graded clubs, and Workington Town are now the highest ranked C grade club with 7.26, a climb of seven positions.

The more detailed assessments sent to clubs show that 20 have increased their score in the finance pillar, and the same number have improved their fandom score, largely driven by progress against the digital standards.

Three clubs have increased their Community score, with London Broncos’ striking rise helped considerably by the launch of the club’s first Community Foundation in the last year.

Fixtures for the Betfred Super League, Championship and League One will be announced next month.

https://wiganwarriors.com/blog/2024/10/ ... confirmed/

Are St Helens number 1 as Wigan are in second position can't see St Helens name .But that's just me with my eye sight sorry if I made a mistake

Saints had the highest IMG score so despite Wigan winning the lot so getting maximum IMG points for performance Wigan were pipped for top spot by Saints.

So what is it Wigan are not doing well enough despite winning everything going especially since financially Saints also posted a big loss.

I am also amazed Castleford and Wakefield achieved grade A status. In particular how on earth to Casteford in that dump of a ground manage that?

One reason will be they will have scored 2.5 IMG points for attendance just like Wigan despite their three year average being about 7500 and Wigan’s being another 13,500.

Beryl O'Neill wrote: ↑Wed Oct 23, 2024 11:15 am Are St Helens number 1 as Wigan are in second position can't see St Helens name .But that's just me with my eye sight sorry if I made a mistake

The Smellys are first with 17.02 points.

Another interesting effect of these grading is Wakefield can’t be relegated next season. So despite potentially having the worst squad and finishing bottom they will be immune.

So in theory any of the grade B sides can go down instead and if Wakey can get grade A status (which does baffle me) then so could another championship side.

DaveO wrote: ↑Wed Oct 23, 2024 11:26 am Another interesting effect of these grading is Wakefield can’t be relegated next season. So despite potentially having the worst squad and finishing bottom they will be immune.

So in theory any of the grade B sides can go down instead and if Wakey can get grade A status (which does baffle me) then so could another championship side.

I thought this year was the last year for relegation

medlocke wrote: ↑Wed Oct 23, 2024 11:39 am

DaveO wrote: ↑Wed Oct 23, 2024 11:26 am Another interesting effect of these grading is Wakefield can’t be relegated next season. So despite potentially having the worst squad and finishing bottom they will be immune.

So in theory any of the grade B sides can go down instead and if Wakey can get grade A status (which does baffle me) then so could another championship side.

I thought this year was the last year for relegation

Grade A teams can’t go down Grade B teams can.

IMG are not fit for purpose, how on earth do Castleford get a Grade A rating?

Ipinwigan wrote: ↑Wed Oct 23, 2024 12:21 pm IMG are not fit for purpose, how on earth do Castleford get a Grade A rating?

That surely is on the lips on many who’ve been to the crap hole of a ground