WAKEFIELD TRINITY’S Super League title victory has propelled them to the top of the club gradings.

They become the fourth team in four seasons to top the system devised by rugby league’s strategic partners IMG, following Leeds Rhinos (2023), St Helens (2024) and Hull KR (2025).

It’s especially impressive considering only two seasons ago Wakefield were the first team to be promoted to Super League via grading, having suffered on-field relegation twelve months prior.

After coming eighth two years running, Wakefield have climbed to the top by scoring 17.85 points out of 20 across the pillars of fandom, finance, stadium, community and on-field performance.

They increased their score from the previous year by 2.38 points, helped by the 0.75 bonus points for winning the Grand Final.

Ian Nolan, the new chief executive of the Rugby Football League, said: “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.

“Their achievement sits alongside encouraging movement across the sport, from growing attendances and digital audiences to continued improvements in facilities and community delivery.

“The RFL will keep working with clubs to support responsible growth, long-term resilience, and the strongest possible future for the professional game.”

Hull KR slipped to fifth in the grading table with 16.45 points, behind Leeds (second with 17.03 points), Warrington Wolves (third, 16.72) and Wigan Warriors (fourth, 16.46).

Eight clubs achieved the 15 points required for Grade A status, the others being Leigh Leopards (sixth, 16.31), St Helens (seventh, 15.59) and Castleford Tigers (eighth, 15.03).

Castleford have restored Grade A status after losing out the previous year, while Catalans Dragons and Hull FC have lost it.

They are Grade B but maintain Super League status, as do existing top-flight sides Bradford Bulls, Huddersfield Giants, Toulouse Olympique and York Knights, by placing in the top 14.

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)