Five bold decisions IMG WILL make in 2024

2024 is a pivotal year for rugby league especially in the UK and Super League. The end of the 2024 season will mark the first time that promotion and relegation has been determined by IMG’s grading system as we truly enter the IMG era in 2024.

But the grading is just the tip of the iceberg and there is plenty for IMG to do in 2024 to grow the sport of rugby league.

So, with the New Year round the corner, we’re looking at five things IMG must do in 2024 for the good of Super League.

Free to Air deal

The first is fairly obvious. Right now Super League are in talks with the BBC and Channel 4 over broadcasting Super League fixtures in 2024 as part of a free to air deal. This deal must be completed and sooner rather than later to get more eyes on the sport.

Agree international series with Samoa

Even more pressing is the need to agree to a series against Samoa. England can simply not afford to not have a high profile series in 2024 to build on the Tonga series ahead of of the Ashes in 2025 and building into the World Cup.

Increase Super League to 14 teams

This is a bold decision but one that needs to be made in 2024. The IMG gradings show that there are at least 14 strong teams in the sport and expanding to 14 teams would solve problems below allowing the Championship and League One to merge.

Rebrand Super League

There are obvious problems with the name Super League at present. This is because the name European Super League continues to be dragged into problematic controversy because of football as the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona push for a new competition called the Super League to replace the Champions League which has caused a lot of problems. So, it is a definite must for the sport to change the name.

Name the Super League trophy after Rob Burrow

Speaking of changing names, it is time for the Super League trophy to be named after someone significant and for the trophy to be named after Leeds Rhinos legend Rob Burrow who won the trophy with one club more than any other.