Wakefield Trinity • IMG

So how many teams will be in Super League?
In IMG's words, that is 'open and fluid'. The goal is that in the coming years, those Category B clubs who get a place in Super League develop on and off the field to such an extent they are awarded Category A grading. Once Super League has 12 Category A teams - Super League won't be reduced to ten teams, it will remain at 12 - the prospect of expanding the competition to include more teams becomes a reality.

Open and Fluid. To me this really is open to abuse, the “A” team can decide who joins them, and only if the funding will stretch to additional newcomers.

When does the grading system kick in?
Clubs will be told their initial grading at the end of next year, ahead of them being rolled out on an illustrative basis for 2024. That means next year is the final year with conventional promotion and relegation as we know it. Then, in late-2024, after a review of the grades has taken place, 2025 sees the Category A clubs in Super League, joined by the highest-ranked Category B clubs that takes the total to 12.

Then, in late-2024, after a review of the grades has taken place, 2025 sees the Category A clubs in Super League, joined by the highest-ranked Category B clubs that takes the total to 12

This doesn’t give the “B” teams much time to get themselves organised for the new season, and those “B” teams not selected for the 12, have to adjust to the expectation of lower funding.