Four Super League sides among clubs set for biggest increase in 2026 IMG performance rankings

With the full IMG gradings set to be confirmed at the end of the season, one criteria that can be worked out through league standings alone is the performance pillar.

The grading criteria has changed for this season, with the rankings putting more of an emphasis on on-field performance rather than off-field factors.

Before, clubs could only achieve a maximum of five points – now they can earn six, and that includes bonuses for winning silverware.

Clubs are now ranked on their average league position over the past two seasons, and whilst the current standings won’t be the same at the end of the season as they are now, it still gives us a good indication of who will improve, and who will fall.

Rather than the 2025 and 2026 seasons being weighted equally, the current season is weighted 65%, meaning that if a team finishes second in 2025 and first in 2026, their average would be 1.35 rather than 1.5.

As a result of the changes this season, 28 of the 34 active clubs are set to increase their grade, with only six set to fall, though one of those teams is Hull KR.

Now we’ve got our heads around things, here are the seven clubs that, if they were to finish the season in their current league position, would improve their performance grade by one whole point or more.

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The seven clubs set for the most IMG performance improvement

*Rankings are based on a club’s league standing after Super League Round 19 – July 18 and 19.

Wakefield Trinity:

Daryl Powell’s side are set for an increase of almost two points, with the additional weighting to on-field performance significantly. Trinity currently sit in third, meaning that if they retained that position until the end of the year, they would see their performance figure increase from 2.8571 to 4.7059 – an increase of 1.8488

Oldham RLFC:

The Roughyeds’ rapid rise up the ladder, combined with the change in criteria, means that their League One finish in 2024 is wiped, and is replaced with what is currently a third place Championship spot (17th overall). As a result, their score is set to increase by 1.6843.

Newcastle Thunder:

Going from the bottom end of League One in 2024 and 2025 to second in the Championship as it stands means that Newcastle are on track for 1.9118 performance points this season – which is a huge increase of 1.6832.

Leeds Rhinos:

Given that Leeds are table-toppers, it means their average league position has improved hugely since last year. The favourites for the League Leaders’ Shield are set to increase their performance score by 1.53858.

Midlands Hurricanes:

The 1895 Cup semi-finalists are thriving in the merged second tier, and currently sit in eighth (22nd overall). That is an increase from a 30th overall spot last season, meaning they will increase their score by 1.2747 if they remain in eighth until the end of the year.

Wigan Warriors:

Matt Peet’s side ranked top of the performance charts last year, and are set to finish top again this year, meaning that they go from four points to five. An extra 0.25 points for the Challenge Cup win gives them an increase of 1.25

Castleford Tigers:

The Tigers’ win over Leeds at the weekend has not only pushed them up the ladder, but up the performance rankings as well. After finishing in 11th last year, they now sit ninth, meaning they will increase by 1.0807 if the standings remain.