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Wakefield Trinity Top Super League Club Grading Rankings

8:11 AM ETConfirmed

Sports Desk

In Short: Wakefield Trinity have topped the 2026 Super League club grading rankings, marking a significant rise under Matt Ellis' ownership.

Wakefield Trinity have topped the 2026 Super League club grading rankings, marking a significant rise under Matt Ellis' ownership. The Broncos matched Hull KR's record grading score of 17.85, a testament to their sustained progress on and off the field.

According to RFL chief executive Ian Nolan, Wakefield's rise is a strong example of how sustained progress can be recognized through the grading framework. Nolan praised the club's achievements, noting their Grand Final success and overall performance.

The IMG gradings, based on criteria including fan experience, finance, stadium, community, and on-field performance, saw Wakefield Trinity leap from eighth place in the previous year to the top spot. This marks the fourth different club to take top spot since the process began.

Despite their success, London Broncos, who won three trophies in 2026, will not play in Super League next year. They ranked 16th, below the threshold for Category A status, despite a strong season in the Championship.

Warrington Wolves have jumped from sixth to third on the rankings, reflecting a much stronger season that culminated in reaching the Grand Final. Hull FC and Catalans Dragons, however, lost their Grade A status, dropping significantly in the rankings.

All 14 Super League clubs will remain in the competition next season, with discussions ongoing for potential investment from Australia's National Rugby League (NRL). This investment could further enhance the competition's quality and appeal.

The IMG gradings, formulated by media giant IMG, are a critical tool for evaluating clubs' performance and determining their eligibility for the Super League. Only 26 of the 34 professional clubs opted to participate in the gradings this year.

Wakefield Trinity's journey from relegation in 2023 to Super League champions in 2026 is a remarkable turnaround. Their Grand Final victory and top ranking highlight their consistent improvement and dedication to excellence.

Brian McDermott's 23-man England squad for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup includes Hull KR's Mikey Lewis ahead of Leeds Rhinos' Jake Connor. Connor's omission, despite a standout season, underscores the competitive nature of the selection process.

The IMG gradings serve as a comprehensive evaluation of each club's performance, reflecting their overall contribution to the sport. This system ensures that clubs are recognized for their efforts and achievements across multiple dimensions.

In conclusion, the IMG gradings reveal a competitive landscape where sustained progress and excellence are rewarded. Wakefield Trinity's rise to the top spot exemplifies the potential for clubs to achieve significant success through consistent effort and strategic planning.

What this adds

Background

What's confirmed

• "Wakefield Trinity's rise to the top of the 2026 club grading rankings is a fascinating story for rugby league, and a strong example of how sustained progress on and off the field can be recognised through the grading framework," said RFL chief executive Ian Nolan.
• Following their Super League Grand Final success, Wakefield have come top of the ratings, based on criteria formulated by media giant IMG, with marks for five factors - fan experience, finance, stadium, community and on-field performance.
• Wakefield become the fourth different club in as many years to take top spot since the process began.
• "We have selected the squad after a thorough and deliberate process, underpinned by a unique decentralised preparation model that has allowed us to work closely with the players well before they come together in camp," McDermott said.
• Hull KR's Mikey Lewis has been named ahead of Leeds Rhinos' Jake Connor in Brian McDermott's 23-man England squad for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup; Wakefield's Caleb Hamlin-Uele misses out due to injury Brian McDermott has named his 23-player England squad for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, with Mikey Lewis selected ahead of Jake Connor.

What's still developing

• The Broncos were overlooked 12 months ago when Bradford Bulls, York Knights and Toulouse Olympique joined the expanded 14-team competition.
• "Their achievement sits alongside encouraging movement across the sport, from growing attendances and digital audiences to continued improvements in facilities and community delivery." Leeds Rhinos remain second, although their score of 17.03 is slightly lower than they achieved in the 2025 rankings.
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• But, with the backing of Australian businessman Grant Wechsel, former Brisbane Broncos star Darren Lockyer and a squad full of internationals, they do still harbour hopes of playing in Super League in 2027.
• London Broncos have come 16th on the list, below fellow Championship side Barrow Raiders, despite a season in which they won the second tier's Grand Final, the 1895 Cup and were runaway champions in the regular-season standings.
• The Betfred Super League is the elite Rugby League competition in the Northern Hemisphere, established in 1996.
• Chelsea, who have won three out of three games to start the season, will face a significant test against the defending Premier League champions.
• Super League clubs with a B grade are Bradford Bulls (13.93), Huddersfield Giants (13.50), Toulouse Olympique (13.44) and York Knights (13.24).
• “I believe Jake has had a really good year, he had an outstanding year last year and won Man of Steel,” McDermott said.
• Connor, who won last year's Super League Man of Steel award, is the surprise omission, having enjoyed another standout season with the Rhinos, amassing 43 assists - the most of any player this season.
• "The aim has been that when the players arrive in camp, they are not starting from day one trying to understand what is expected of them. They already understand their role, the standards attached to it and how their individual strengths can contribute to the way England wants to play."

Sources

• BBClink
• Love Rugby Leaguelink
• Serious About Rugby Leaguelink
• Super Leaguelink
• Thetelegraphandarguslink
• Warpbeatlink
• Yorkshireeveningpostlink
• Yorkshirepostlink
• Skysportslink
• Totalrllink
• Radioroyallink
• WarpBeat — background on Wakefield Trinity Top Super League Club Grading Rankings link
• Super League Raw - Rugby League — video link