CATALANS DRAGONS and Hull FC have both lost Grade A status in the new rankings – but Castleford Tigers have had the top mark restored.

Clubs that score 15 points or more out of 20 across five pillars – fandom, finance, stadium, community and on-field performance – under the IMG-devised system are awarded Grade A.

That should guarantee a place in Super League, although with 14 clubs – at least – currently in the top division and only eight hitting the top category, the places of Catalans and Hull are assured.

Catalans have fallen down the grading table in each year of its existence, from fourth (with 16.73 points) when indicative grades were first given at the end of 2023, to sixth (15.52), seventh (16.11) and now ninth (with 14.83 points).

It coincides with a slump off the field, finishing ninth in Super League in each of the past two seasons.

Hull FC, meanwhile, have yo-yoed between Grade A and B, having earned 15.05 points in the first year under the system, 14.51 at the end of 2024, then restored an A grade last year with 15.06.

In the new rankings, they have placed tenth with 14.72 points, following an eleventh-placed finish on the field.

Castleford have also experienced mixed fortunes under the grading system, which initially threatened their Super League position when they came 13th in the indicative gradings issued in 2023.

They improved to Grade A the following season with 15.02 points, slipped down to B with 14.66 last year, and are now back among the top clubs after scoring 15.03, putting them eighth.

The other clubs to achieve the top mark are Wakefield Trinity, Leeds Rhinos, Warrington Wolves, Wigan Warriors, Hull KR, Leigh Leopards and St Helens.

Super League’s current 14 clubs, meanwhile, will all stay in situ after Bradford Bulls, Huddersfield Giants, Toulouse Olympique and York Knights rounded out the top 14.

Bradford, who were promoted via the grading system last autumn, slip one place to eleventh with 13.93 points, while Huddersfield maintain their twelfth spot (13.50).

Toulouse and York, who were both promoted for this season via an independent panel after placing 13th and 14th respectively, maintain those positions, both with increased scores (13.44 and 13.24 respectively).

Barrow Raiders are the highest placed Championship side in 15th with 9.85 points, 3.39 behind York but ahead of second-tier champions London Broncos in 16th (9.77).

Club gradings:
1 Wakefield Trinity 17.85 (A)
2 Leeds Rhinos 17.03 (A)
3 Warrington Wolves 16.72 (A)
4 Wigan Warriors 16.46 (A)
5 Hull KR 16.45 (A)
6 Leigh Leopards 16.31 (A)
7 St Helens 15.59 (A)
8 Castleford Tigers 15.03 (A)
9 Catalans Dragons 14.83 (B)
10 Hull FC 14.72 (B)
11 Bradford Bulls 13.93 (B)
12 Huddersfield Giants 13.50 (B)
13 Toulouse Olympique 13.44 (B)
14 York Knights 13.24 (B)
15 Barrow Raiders 9.85 (B)
16 London Broncos 9.77 (B)
17 Doncaster 9.21 (B)
18 Widnes Vikings 9.11 (B)
19 Sheffield Eagles 7.85 (B)
20 Oldham 7.22 (C)
21 Batley Bulldogs 7.03 (C)
22 Hunslet 6.64 (C)
23 Salford 5.71 (C)
24 Rochdale Hornets 5.12 (C)
25 Midlands Hurricanes 4.28 (C)
26 Newcastle Thunder 4.18 (C)