Rugby League Clubs Await Crucial Grading Decisions
The IMG-led restructuring of professional rugby league continues to unfold, with clubs eagerly anticipating the release of their official gradings on October 23rd. This crucial assessment will determine the top 12 teams that secure a place in the expanded Super League for 2025.
Among the clubs closely monitoring their standing is Hull FC, who earned an ‘A’ grading last year by narrowly surpassing the 15-point threshold. With a score of 15.05, they find themselves on the edge of the top tier, alongside illustrious names like Wigan Warriors, St Helens, and Leeds Rhinos.
“The race for top-tier status in the revamped Super League is heating up, and clubs like Hull FC will be closely monitoring their every move, knowing that a single league position could mean the difference between an ‘A’ or ‘B’ grade, and a guaranteed place in the top flight or an uncertain future.”
However, Hull FC’s hold on their ‘A’ status is far from certain. The performance criteria, which accounts for 20% of the total score, could prove to be their downfall. Clubs are awarded points based on their league finishes over the past three seasons, and with Hull’s 8th, 9th, and 10th place finishes now set to be replaced by their 2023 result, a drop in the rankings could see them fall below the 15-point mark.
Rivals such as Leigh Leopards and Salford Red Devils are poised to improve their performance scores, potentially overtaking Hull FC and relegating them to the ‘B’ tier. Even Castleford Tigers, with a 7th-place finish in 2021 set to be removed from the equation, are not immune to the risk of losing valuable points.
Hull FC, aware of the precarious nature of their position, are reportedly exploring avenues to bolster their overall score and offset any potential drop in performance points. However, with the margin for error being razor-thin, the club’s fate remains in the balance as they await the critical October 23rd announcement.
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