Update on Castleford Tigers appeal but has damage already been done

It may be December in 2023, but all eyes from the 12 Super League clubs and those in the Championship will be on November 2024.

This might seem wrong. Surely they should be focused on October and the Grand Final but the more crucial date will come shortly after the Grand Final. This date will be the date when the first official IMG gradings are revealed after the illustrative gradings were revealed earlier this year.

These gradings gave clubs a year to raise their standings and secure their place in the Betfred Super League moving forward. Seven clubs are guaranteed a spot on Super League with their Grade A status. Leeds Rhinos led the way and were followed by Wigan Warriors and St Helens in the top three. Then Catalans Dragons, Warrington Wolves, Hull FC and Hull KR also Grade A clubs.

But some Super League clubs were left in jeopardy. With Championship clubs like Toulouse Olympique and Wakefield Trinity in the top 12 it left London Broncos and Castleford Tigers outside the all important top 12.

Meanwhile, Leigh Leopards were left in danger finishing 12th in the rankings. But they could still drop down outside of the top 12 when Castleford Tigers’ appeal is finally decided upon. The Tigers appealed their IMG ranking based on an error made in the process.

This appeal was set to be heard within a week of the the gradings’ release but over a month on from those gradings we are still yet to hear the verdict.

Serious About Rugby League understands that the verdict on this appeal is set to come and could come as soon as this week.

That being said, it has been argued by many that the damage has already been done to the Tigers with many suggesting that with their standings in the rankings at present likely to dissuade players from signing and also possibly hurting chances to secure investment and sponsorship.

With that in mind, Castleford should be given credit for the way they have managed the club since then with over 15 sponsorship deals and potential new investment which could help secure their Super League standing.