Rhinos improve score and secure Grade A license again

Leeds Rhinos have been ranked second in the RL Commercial Grading process, retaining a Grade A licence and improving the club's overall grading from last season.

The Rhinos a slight decrease in their Fandom score (0.05) which was partly due to an adjustment in the scoring for engagement and social media with thresholds changing for 2025 and an allowance for 10% growth in each area, which is more challenging for clubs who already have a large following. 

Whilst Brad Arthur's team were back in the play off this season, the period for the ratings covers seasons 2023, 2024 and 2025 for this year's assessement meaning the Rhinos most recent Grand Final appearance in 2022 drops out, hence a slight drop in the Performance total. 

The Rhinos increased their score for Finance with owner investment and better financial results allowing the club to invest in all levels of the club including the academy and womens teams. 

Leeds also saw a 0.0961 increase in stadium score following a re-assessment of the LED system at AMT Headingley and increased attendances giving a better utilisation score. 

Consistently for the last three years, thanks to outstanding work of the Leeds Rhinos Foundation, the Rhinos have scored the full 2.50 under the community pillar. 

For comparative purposes, the table below shows our last three ratings but it is important to note that the assessment criteria has changed over the years, adapting to the improving standards across the game and with the aim of taking the game forward. 

Nine of the 12 Betfred Super League clubs have passed the threshold of 15 points required for an A Grade – the same number as in 2024. 

Hull KR were ranked frist with a total score of 17.85 out of a maximum 20 across the five grading pillars – Fandom, Finance, Stadium, Community and On-Field Performance (*see below for full details) – is the highest achieved by any club over the last three years, boosted by 0.75 points for their Grand Final triumph, and 0.25 for their Challenge Cup win. 

They were sixth in the original indicative rankings in 2023 with a score of 15.52, climbing to fifth last year with 15.97. 

Wigan Warriors, who finished second in the Super League table and reached their third consecutive Grand Final, are fourth in the rankings, with Leigh Leopards climbing two places to fifth. 

Warrington Wolves, Catalans Dragons and Wakefield Trinity all retain their A grading in sixth, seventh and eighth respectively, and Hull FC regain Grade A status and climb from 10th to ninth after lifting their overall grading score from 14.51 to 15.06. 

Bradford Bulls are the highest-ranked of 15 clubs who earn a B Grade, climbing from 16th in the 2024 table to 10th by lifting their score from 12.15 to 14.81 – and making them comfortably the highest-ranked club from outside the current Betfred Super League. 

They are followed by Castleford Tigers (14.66) and Huddersfield Giants (14.65) – with those three B-graded clubs joining the nine Grade As in the 12 who secure automatic places in the 2026 Super League. 

Following a decision by the existing Super League clubs to prioritise expansion of the competition, a Panel has been considering the possibility of admitting two additional clubs for 2026 – with their decision to be announced on Friday morning. 

Those clubs who do not secure Super League places will play in an expanded Betfred Championship in 2026, following a recent decision to merge the Championship with Betfred League One. 

Batley Bulldogs and Whitehaven, the two clubs who were not graded in 2024 because of delays in their submissions, come into the table in 21^st and 29^th respectively – Batley graded B with a score of 8.16, and Whitehaven one of nine clubs who receive a Grade C with a score of 6.23. 

Keighley Cougars and Newcastle Thunder have not been given a score having failed to meet the deadline for submitting the necessary information, although as in the cases of Batley and Whitehaven last year, the RFL will work with those clubs to assess what their score and ranking would have been should it be relevant in terms of their share of central distributions. 

Salford Red Devils have slipped from 12th with a score of 13.97 to 15th with a score of 12.65, with their Finance score reflecting information submitted for the 2022-24 seasons – and not including the 2025 season. 

They have had 0.25 points deducted from their score as a result of the deduction of two competition points for breaching operational rules in their team selection for the Round One fixture at St Helens in February. 

Salford are one of three clubs, with Featherstone Rovers and Halifax Panthers of the Betfred Championship, who are the subject of HMRC petitions, which could affect their Finance score for 2026 should the petitions be confirmed.

Full details of the five pillars are published in the 2025 Club Grading Handbook Rugby League Grading Handbook_2025FINAL.pdf