Wakefield Trinity has been reinstated into the Super League for 2025, replacing the London Broncos, following the release of IMG's 2025 gradings that determine the composition of rugby league's professional hierarchy.
The sport entered into a 12-year strategic partnership with IMG last year, which included the elimination of traditional promotion and relegation. Instead, all 35 professional clubs are evaluated annually based on a range of on and off-field criteria, with the top 12 clubs securing a place in the Super League each year.
The initial grading results show Trinity, who were relegated at the end of the previous season, taking London's spot in the Super League lineup. Trinity is among nine clubs to achieve the highest grading bracket of A, scoring over 15 points out of a possible 20. Clubs with Grade A status are essentially protected from relegation, ensuring Wakefield's safety for the next season.
The Broncos will return to the Championship, but their ranking has significantly improved from last year's provisional unveiling, rising from 24th to 14th, raising hopes for a future return to the Super League. St Helens lead the rankings with a score of 17.02, closely followed by Wigan Warriors and Leeds Rhinos. Other Grade A clubs include Warrington Wolves, Hull KR, Catalans Dragons, Leigh Leopards, and Castleford Tigers.
The three Super League sides for 2025 without Grade A status, and thus at risk of relegation, are Hull FC, Huddersfield Giants, and Salford Red Devils, who achieved Grade B status. Ten Championship clubs also hold Grade B status, and if any of them finish among the top 12 scoring clubs next year, they will be promoted to the Super League. This group includes Toulouse, who were just 0.39 points behind 12th-placed Salford, and the Broncos. York Knights are the next closest club to securing a Super League place.
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