Latest IMG proposals for Super League

[Perth Red]

Does FOX pay for the rights to show SL games?

Yes, but not much

 

[Perth Red]

Clubs vote against key IMG recommendation rugby league supporters widely approved

Loop fixtures are set to remain part of Super League next season, despite IMG's recommendation to get rid of them. Rugby League Live understands clubs voted to keep the competition's existing 27-game format next season.

When the sport's strategic consultants set out their recommendations last year, the removal of loop fixtures was one of the areas they cited. However, clubs are keen to ensure they still have 13 home league matches per season and with a further reduction on the new deal, as well as uncertainty regarding the revamped plans for the Challenge Cup, it has been decided to stick with the current format for another year before returning to the topic at a later date.

It is believed a 25-game format was tabled to clubs but with more work to be done on the Challenge Cup and the ongoing financial pressures clubs find themselves under, amid increasing time pressures as season ticket launches draw closer, it was decided that assessing the situation again when all changes could be implemented together was the desirable option.

Fans regularly bemoan loop fixtures, which see every team play four other clubs three times in a season, as opposed to their other rivals who they play twice. It is criticised for damaging the integrity of the competition and for making matches feel repetitive.

But it will allow further work to be done on the Challenge Cup and plans for a rehaul. It could yet have a different look to it next year though any changes are likely to be kept to a minimum given the Super League season will remain at the same capacity.

The season is still expected to start in February and end in October, as has been the case in recent years, and England will still play France in a mid-season international, most likely at the end of April. The rescheduling of the Challenge Cup - the final will take place on June 8th next year, will likely see a later date for Magic Weekend.

Clubs vote against key IMG recommendation rugby league supporters approved

It had been hoped the change would be made in time for 2024.

www.hulldailymail.co.uk

 

[Ideas Man Stephen]

Bloody SL. They don’t help themselves over there do they?

 

[Perth Red]

Bloody SL. They don’t help themselves over there do they?

Clubs are concerned about drop in grant from lower tv deal so not surprising they don’t want to reduce home games revenue. Ideally we’d go to 14 clubs and a 25 round season but again with drop in revenue the existing 12 are unlikely to want to split the diminishing pie thinner. Catch 22.

 

[TDD91]

Looks like they want to keep loop fixtures and make the Challenge Cup a group stage thing. Both are the absolute wrong decision IMO

 

[Perth Red]

Looks like they want to keep loop fixtures and make the Challenge Cup a group stage thing. Both are the absolute wrong decision IMO

Tbf until clubs know what the SL grant is going to be it’s hard to ask them to reduce home fixtures.

 

[Perth Red]

Img indicative club gradings are due to be released next week. Should make for interesting reading and much debate!

 

[RL The greatest game]

I would imagine that IMG will be delighted that the London Broncos have been promoted to Super League, as this gives them a bit more to work with.

 

[Perth Red]

I would imagine that IMG will be delighted that the London Broncos have been promoted to Super League, as this gives them a bit more to work with.

Yes I’m sure they are. Now London need to actually build a SL club and stay there.

 

[İzmir Zaferi]

Now, hopefully Toulouse is grades high. They have a good stadium, good crowd potential, strong demographics etc.

 

[Perth Red]

The rugby league world is eagerly anticipating the preliminary IMG ratings, which are set to make their debut on Wednesday morning. This development will have far-reaching implications for Super League, Championship, and League 1 teams, as they will receive their initial gradings and scores across various performance areas.

What makes this all the more intriguing is the year-long window provided for teams to make the necessary improvements, preparing them for the upcoming "promotion and relegation" grading system. The essence of this system is that, in around 12 months' time, a team's fate could hang in the balance. For instance, a team finishing 3rd in the Super League might find itself relegated to the Championship if it fails to meet the criteria of what defines a top-flight team.

On the flip side, a team that misses out on on-field promotion could secure a coveted spot in the top tier if their off-field operations meet the highest standards. These ratings, while undoubtedly a significant step forward, are bound to stir the pot. Questions will be asked, and not every club will be content with their initial assessment.

This is precisely why IMG has been entrusted with this task. Their expertise will ensure that the grading process is transparent, with clear guidelines that leave no room for ambiguity. Ultimately, the responsibility to rise to the occasion lies with each rugby league organisation. The IMG ratings will serve as a catalyst for improvement, heralding a new era where not just on-field performance is key.

IMG gradings set to be revealed as Hull KR and Hull FC discover preliminary rank

The IMG ratings will be announced on Wednesday.

www.hulldailymail.co.uk

 

[yakstorm]

Shame Newcastle Thunder's funding has fallen through. They are actually the type of club who would benefit from this new grading system and it would give them a more realistic path to Super League.

Anyway, I hope IMG's grading is actually fair, and we don't have a scenario where all the big clubs (Wigan, St Helens, Leeds, Hull FC, Catalans, Warrington) are automatically give As. There is plenty of improvement in all of them.

 

[Perth Red]

Being released 10am uk time today

 

[yakstorm]

 

[yakstorm]

So if current scores don't change much over 2024, Toulouse & Wakefield will be in SL, with London & Castleford out.

 

[jim_57]

View attachment 81168

So London essentially guaranteed to go straight back down. Surprised they are that low but not surprised they aren’t top 12.

At least Toulouse should be there in 2025 judging by that, though the 3 behind are a bit close for comfort.

 

[Perth Red]

Very interesting! Great to see my club get an A. Wasn’t expecting it so soon but nice reward for a tonne of work. higher than our neighbours, even better lol

london 24th, wow they have a lot of work to do next year to stay in SL.
Toulouse will be happy.

 

[Wb1234]

Very interesting! Great to see my club get an A. Wasn’t expecting it so soon but nice reward for a tonne of work. higher than our neighbours, even better lol

london 24th, wow they have a lot of work to do next year to stay in SL.
Toulouse will be happy.

Higher than hull fc now that’s Intereting

If they make it the top 14 teams then they aren’t leaving much out except London

how do hudds get 9th with crowds of 4K that’s a joke

 

[Perth Red]

It’ll be Interesting if say 15 teams get to A, how will SL afford it? They have said an A is an automatic place in SL.

the good thing about this, leaving aside the debate about if sport should be decided on the field, is it gives clubs a really clear blueprint of how to improve their grading year on year and what they need to do off the field if they want to be a Superleague club.

I see Cas are appealing their score!

 

[Wb1234]

It’ll be Interesting if say 15 teams get to A, how will SL afford it? They have said an A is an automatic place in SL.

the good thing about this, leaving aside the debate about if sport should be decided on the field, is it gives clubs a really clear blueprint of how to improve their grading year on year and what they need to do off the field if they want to be a Superleague club.

I see Cas are appealing their score!

Cas have been a good super league club way better than wakey