DIEHARD
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Discussion Thread
Super League
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DIEHARD
Administrator
So couple new things in Super League this year.
FTA TV network Channel 4 are showing Super League games. I just got done watching the first one and it was a nail biter, good advertisement for the game. They have used Adam Hills to promote the support.
A second French side, Toulouse are coming in. It'll be tough for them. Always is for the new club but they lost some players in the off season.
FTA TV network Channel 4 are showing Super League games. I just got done watching the first one and it was a nail biter, good advertisement for the game. They have used Adam Hills to promote the support.
A second French side, Toulouse are coming in. It'll be tough for them. Always is for the new club but they lost some players in the off season.
DIEHARD
Administrator
Channel 4 promo with Adam Hills
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kioli
Junior
Great ad for the game. What a life Adam Hills is living.
DIEHARD
Administrator
DIEHARD
Administrator
‘Brother versus brother’: Super League revels in first all-French derby
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2...ench-derby-catalans-toulouse?CMP=share_btn_tw
The sense of occasion and knock-on effects will resonate much more than Catalans’ hard-won victory over Toulouse
Almost exactly 27 years to the day since the former chief executive of the Rugby Football League, Maurice Lindsay, unveiled the grand plans for the advent of Super League and the proposed continental expansion which came with it, few should have afforded themselves a smile more than Lindsay here as history was made, with two French sides facing one another in the competition for the first time.
The original plans for the first Super League season in 1996 included two French teams, Toulouse and Paris. That ultimately never materialised, with Toulouse not making it to the start line and Paris Saint-Germain lasting barely a couple of seasons. But here, the vision and belief so many traditionalists laughed at for years, the notion that two French teams could stand side by side in the elite competition, finally came to fruition as Catalans hosted Toulouse: and it was a moment for all of rugby league, not just those in France, to savour.
“This is brother versus brother,” the Catalans Dragons chief executive, Alex Chan, admits. “We have to work together and not discredit each other as clubs. If we don’t look after Toulouse and they don’t work with us, we won’t grow in France. The vision was laid out all those years ago. They called the competition Super League Europe and now, it truly is a European competition.” The result here was almost secondary to the occasion, with the Dragons edging a hard-fought contest 18-10.
These are fascinating times for rugby league across the Channel. Toulouse’s promotion to Super League for the first time comes not only in a World Cup year, but just three years out from the next hosting of the tournament, which will take place in France in 2025. “There’s a super relationship between both clubs,” Catalans’ head coach Steve McNamara says. “We’re aware of the importance of us both being in the elite competition and what that can bring across France and for other French clubs with a World Cup on the horizon here. There’s huge mutual respect for one another.”
That respect disappeared on occasions on Thursday evening in a tempestuous and ill-tempered game, perhaps the least you would have expected from two French sides who play with passion in abundance. Catalans appeared in control in the early stages of the second half when they forged an 18-6 lead, but the red card of Joe Chan gave Toulouse a glimmer of hope. They, however, could not complete the comeback.
Catalans’ success in recent seasons, winning the Challenge Cup in 2018 and making last season’s Grand Final, has boosted interest in the sport in Perpignan. But this felt altogether more significant in terms of the plans to grow the game across France, though you feel Toulouse’s continued involvement in Super League beyond this year will play a huge role in that long-term goal for rugby league to spread out of the north of England even more.
“If we want the game to grow, we have to stay up,” Toulouse’s Tony Gigot says. “We can be stronger for each other and we need two good teams, and more French players to break through and play. That can only help French rugby league.” Alex Chan agrees: “The grassroots game in France needs an injection of positivity like this, to show there’s a reason we want youngsters to come and play. We want to put this product out to the world and show them that France is at the heart of rugby league.”
Those close to the Catalans say that local interest in the buildup to this match eclipsed any ordinary Super League game against English opposition. The locals certainly enjoyed what was a momentous occasion but despite this being billed as a central part of the “Rivals Round”, these clubs have a much stronger bond than mere rivals. Together, they could potentially determine whether, 27 years after Lindsay’s initial vision, Super League can finally escape the constraints of its roots.
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2...ench-derby-catalans-toulouse?CMP=share_btn_tw
The sense of occasion and knock-on effects will resonate much more than Catalans’ hard-won victory over Toulouse
Almost exactly 27 years to the day since the former chief executive of the Rugby Football League, Maurice Lindsay, unveiled the grand plans for the advent of Super League and the proposed continental expansion which came with it, few should have afforded themselves a smile more than Lindsay here as history was made, with two French sides facing one another in the competition for the first time.
The original plans for the first Super League season in 1996 included two French teams, Toulouse and Paris. That ultimately never materialised, with Toulouse not making it to the start line and Paris Saint-Germain lasting barely a couple of seasons. But here, the vision and belief so many traditionalists laughed at for years, the notion that two French teams could stand side by side in the elite competition, finally came to fruition as Catalans hosted Toulouse: and it was a moment for all of rugby league, not just those in France, to savour.
“This is brother versus brother,” the Catalans Dragons chief executive, Alex Chan, admits. “We have to work together and not discredit each other as clubs. If we don’t look after Toulouse and they don’t work with us, we won’t grow in France. The vision was laid out all those years ago. They called the competition Super League Europe and now, it truly is a European competition.” The result here was almost secondary to the occasion, with the Dragons edging a hard-fought contest 18-10.
These are fascinating times for rugby league across the Channel. Toulouse’s promotion to Super League for the first time comes not only in a World Cup year, but just three years out from the next hosting of the tournament, which will take place in France in 2025. “There’s a super relationship between both clubs,” Catalans’ head coach Steve McNamara says. “We’re aware of the importance of us both being in the elite competition and what that can bring across France and for other French clubs with a World Cup on the horizon here. There’s huge mutual respect for one another.”
That respect disappeared on occasions on Thursday evening in a tempestuous and ill-tempered game, perhaps the least you would have expected from two French sides who play with passion in abundance. Catalans appeared in control in the early stages of the second half when they forged an 18-6 lead, but the red card of Joe Chan gave Toulouse a glimmer of hope. They, however, could not complete the comeback.
Catalans’ success in recent seasons, winning the Challenge Cup in 2018 and making last season’s Grand Final, has boosted interest in the sport in Perpignan. But this felt altogether more significant in terms of the plans to grow the game across France, though you feel Toulouse’s continued involvement in Super League beyond this year will play a huge role in that long-term goal for rugby league to spread out of the north of England even more.
“If we want the game to grow, we have to stay up,” Toulouse’s Tony Gigot says. “We can be stronger for each other and we need two good teams, and more French players to break through and play. That can only help French rugby league.” Alex Chan agrees: “The grassroots game in France needs an injection of positivity like this, to show there’s a reason we want youngsters to come and play. We want to put this product out to the world and show them that France is at the heart of rugby league.”
Those close to the Catalans say that local interest in the buildup to this match eclipsed any ordinary Super League game against English opposition. The locals certainly enjoyed what was a momentous occasion but despite this being billed as a central part of the “Rivals Round”, these clubs have a much stronger bond than mere rivals. Together, they could potentially determine whether, 27 years after Lindsay’s initial vision, Super League can finally escape the constraints of its roots.
DIEHARD
Administrator
Super League set for rebrand as IMG plot name change for rugby league competition
https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/rugby-super-league-rebrand-img-25763871
IMG, the sport's new strategic partner, is planning a major change for its premier competition.
Super League is set for a rebrand in the future.
Super League is set to undergo a name change as part of IMG's plans for the sport. Rugby League Live understands the Rugby Football League's strategic partner is plotting a rebrand of the competition after more than a quarter of a century.
The Northern Hemisphere's premier competition has gone under the Super League name for over a quarter of a century. It was first adopted in 1996 when the sport transitioned to the summer.
However, over time a number of other competitions have taken on the same name, such as football and netball's top-flight women's divisions as well as numerous others across several sports. As a result, there is a feeling that the branding is no longer fit for purpose and needs a refresh to provide a unique identity and change of direction for the competition.
A timeline for when the change will be implemented has yet to be mapped out. But it's understood IMG are considering it as one of their first major pieces of work following an extensive consultation process. The rebrand is not thought to have been decided on at this stage.
IMG have made several of its proposals public in recent months, including the introduction of a 'grading' system and the removal of Magic Weekend from the calendar. A more comprehensive international schedule is another priority. But there are other ideas, not yet public, on their radar, with a new look for Super League among their biggest priorities.
Former Rugby Football League chief executive, Maurice Lindsay, was the man who made Super League a reality. The first season of the competition was in 1996 and has featured 24 teams since then. Now approaching its 28th season, it could well be the last for Super League under its current name.
The recent controversy surrounding football's ill-fated European Super League has damaged rugby league's equivalent digitally. One simple look on any search engine for the phrase 'Super League' results in football-related news. It's worth noting that Sky Sports recently changed their listings for the competition to 'Super League Rugby'. However, a new name could help eradicate those issues in the future.
https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/rugby-super-league-rebrand-img-25763871
IMG, the sport's new strategic partner, is planning a major change for its premier competition.
Super League is set for a rebrand in the future.
Super League is set to undergo a name change as part of IMG's plans for the sport. Rugby League Live understands the Rugby Football League's strategic partner is plotting a rebrand of the competition after more than a quarter of a century.
The Northern Hemisphere's premier competition has gone under the Super League name for over a quarter of a century. It was first adopted in 1996 when the sport transitioned to the summer.
However, over time a number of other competitions have taken on the same name, such as football and netball's top-flight women's divisions as well as numerous others across several sports. As a result, there is a feeling that the branding is no longer fit for purpose and needs a refresh to provide a unique identity and change of direction for the competition.
A timeline for when the change will be implemented has yet to be mapped out. But it's understood IMG are considering it as one of their first major pieces of work following an extensive consultation process. The rebrand is not thought to have been decided on at this stage.
IMG have made several of its proposals public in recent months, including the introduction of a 'grading' system and the removal of Magic Weekend from the calendar. A more comprehensive international schedule is another priority. But there are other ideas, not yet public, on their radar, with a new look for Super League among their biggest priorities.
Former Rugby Football League chief executive, Maurice Lindsay, was the man who made Super League a reality. The first season of the competition was in 1996 and has featured 24 teams since then. Now approaching its 28th season, it could well be the last for Super League under its current name.
The recent controversy surrounding football's ill-fated European Super League has damaged rugby league's equivalent digitally. One simple look on any search engine for the phrase 'Super League' results in football-related news. It's worth noting that Sky Sports recently changed their listings for the competition to 'Super League Rugby'. However, a new name could help eradicate those issues in the future.
DIEHARD
Administrator
London identified by IMG as key in effort to transform rugby league
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2022/dec/15/london-img-transform-rugby-league
London has been dubbed a ‘sleeping giant’ of rugby league by IMG, who say success in the capital is high on their agenda when it comes to transforming the sport’s long-term prospects. The global media company agreed a 12-year deal with rugby league’s powerbrokers in May in an attempt to revolutionise the game on and off the field, with a licensing system set to replace conventional promotion and relegation for Super League by 2025.
IMG’s vice president for sports management, Matt Dwyer, says that capturing the attention of people in London and developing the sport in the city is firmly among their priorities after their research showed it ranks better than traditional rugby league cities in areas such as participation and interest.
The belief that London can become a success was heightened by England’s World Cup semi-final against Samoa at the Emirates Stadium in November, when the majority of those in attendance came from the capital. Dwyer stressed that while the plans will take time, London has the potential to become a rugby league powerhouse in the years ahead.
“The thing that surprised us is when we looked at all the data, you took the names off the cities and looked at participation, interest and a few other metrics, London was at the top and I don’t think anyone would have guessed that,” he said. “We’re all sitting there thinking there’s a sleeping giant here: we’re not saying London for the sake of it because it’s London. We’re saying it because there’s a future here and the metrics we’ve seen suggest it.”
Rugby league has tried to have a strong professional presence in London before. While London Broncos were a fixture in Super League for a prolonged period, they are now a part-time club playing in the sport’s second tier, the Championship. London Skolars play in the level below, League 1. Dwyer appeared to rule out creating a new London club but warned rugby league must learn from its past failings when it comes to the capital.
“The demographic from both participation and interest is very positive but we are going to need a club that’s competitive,” he said. “I’m keen to work with both clubs. But the step we’re at now is revisiting the past and working out what we can learn from that.
Privacy Notice: Newsletters may contain info about charities, online ads, and content funded by outside parties. For more information see our Privacy Policy. We use Google reCaptcha to protect our website and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
“It’s still very early days. It’s a long-term project, we’re not going to be able to click our fingers and 20,000 people will turn up to watch the Broncos. But it’s got the right foundations.”
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2022/dec/15/london-img-transform-rugby-league
London has been dubbed a ‘sleeping giant’ of rugby league by IMG, who say success in the capital is high on their agenda when it comes to transforming the sport’s long-term prospects. The global media company agreed a 12-year deal with rugby league’s powerbrokers in May in an attempt to revolutionise the game on and off the field, with a licensing system set to replace conventional promotion and relegation for Super League by 2025.
IMG’s vice president for sports management, Matt Dwyer, says that capturing the attention of people in London and developing the sport in the city is firmly among their priorities after their research showed it ranks better than traditional rugby league cities in areas such as participation and interest.
The belief that London can become a success was heightened by England’s World Cup semi-final against Samoa at the Emirates Stadium in November, when the majority of those in attendance came from the capital. Dwyer stressed that while the plans will take time, London has the potential to become a rugby league powerhouse in the years ahead.
“The thing that surprised us is when we looked at all the data, you took the names off the cities and looked at participation, interest and a few other metrics, London was at the top and I don’t think anyone would have guessed that,” he said. “We’re all sitting there thinking there’s a sleeping giant here: we’re not saying London for the sake of it because it’s London. We’re saying it because there’s a future here and the metrics we’ve seen suggest it.”
Rugby league has tried to have a strong professional presence in London before. While London Broncos were a fixture in Super League for a prolonged period, they are now a part-time club playing in the sport’s second tier, the Championship. London Skolars play in the level below, League 1. Dwyer appeared to rule out creating a new London club but warned rugby league must learn from its past failings when it comes to the capital.
“The demographic from both participation and interest is very positive but we are going to need a club that’s competitive,” he said. “I’m keen to work with both clubs. But the step we’re at now is revisiting the past and working out what we can learn from that.
Privacy Notice: Newsletters may contain info about charities, online ads, and content funded by outside parties. For more information see our Privacy Policy. We use Google reCaptcha to protect our website and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
“It’s still very early days. It’s a long-term project, we’re not going to be able to click our fingers and 20,000 people will turn up to watch the Broncos. But it’s got the right foundations.”
Titanic
Immortal
Getting rid of the Stupid League moniker will rinse the last vestiges of that nauseous period from the planet … sorry Bennett and Ribot keep on keeping on.
DIEHARD
Administrator
Yea! It really gets me off-side. Even though a lot of time has past, deep down it's toxic to me.
Not sure what they should call it.
The Rugby League ______
DIEHARD
Administrator
Overnight, London Broncos beat Toulouse to be promoted to Super League!
The team is also made up of southern players with no northern players. As I'm led to believe.
In the Grand Final, Wigan beat out Les Catalans in front of 58,137
The team is also made up of southern players with no northern players. As I'm led to believe.
In the Grand Final, Wigan beat out Les Catalans in front of 58,137
DIEHARD
Administrator
Seven Betfred Super League clubs awarded Grade A status
https://www.rugby-league.com/article/62264/seven-betfred-super-league-clubs-awarded-grade-a-status
Seven Betfred Super League clubs have been awarded Grade A status in the indicative phase of the new club grading process that is being introduced as part of Rugby League Commercial and IMG’s ‘Reimagining Rugby League’ strategy.
Leeds Rhinos lead the way, with a score of 17.49 out of the maximum available 20, following detailed analysis of every club’s performance under five pillars – On-Field Performance, Fandom, Finances, Stadium and Community.
They are followed by three clubs separated by 0.14 points, with Wigan Warriors’ success in winning the 2023 Grand Final lifting them to second on 16.87, ahead of St Helens in third on 16.78 and Catalans Dragons in fourth on 16.73.
Warrington Wolves are fifth on 15.75, and both Hull clubs have earned A grades, with Hull KR sixth on 15.52, and Hull FC seventh on 15.05 – just above the threshold of 15 points required to be graded A.
Toulouse Olympique are the highest-performing club outside the Betfred Super League, with their score of 12.97 leaving them 10th in the indicative rankings as the third strongest of the 17 B-graded clubs.
After the data submission deadline, Castleford Tigers submitted information that the RFL will review and consider particularly given the tight scoring margins around the 12th position in the rankings.
Membership of the Betfred Super League in 2025 will be determined by the top 12 teams in the 2024 rankings, which will be announced at the culmination of the 2024 season.
The main purpose of the indicative grading process in 2023 is to give clubs a clear indication of their strengths and weaknesses, and the areas in which they need to improve to increase their score in 2024.
Tony Sutton, the Chief Executive of the Rugby Football League, said:
“Rugby League embarked on a bold journey with the launch of the strategic partnership with IMG in May 2022, and 18 months into that journey, the publication of these indicative club gradings is a highly significant step.
“The sport has had to examine itself more closely than ever, at all levels – whether in terms of our central governance, or for our clubs in assessing all areas of their off-field performance.
“The results are heartening, as seven of our clubs already reach the A Grade by reaching the score IMG set as the benchmark, and which we believe should be the level clubs need to achieve in order to confirm their place in our elite competition – and another 17 have earned a B Grade and now know exactly what they need to do to reach the higher level.
“Congratulations are due to the A Grade clubs, although I know they will not be resting on their laurels as the key to the grading process is that it is dynamic and requires clubs to maintain standards.
“All clubs also deserve recognition for the positive way in which they have engaged in this process, all with the aim of raising the standards of Rugby League – and of reimagining the sport.”
Grading was one of seven recommendations which were presented to Rugby League in the autumn of 2022 as part of IMG’s Reimagining of the sport, and which were supported by a substantial majority of clubs at all levels.
Grading has been designed to incentivise clubs to grow their fanbase and top-line non-centralised revenue, to better engage with fans, to be run in a best-in-class way, to invest in their club and the sport in a sustainable way, and to ensure strong governance.
Full details of the grading criteria were published in early 2023 - IMG & Rugby League Grading Criteria 2023.pdf (rugby-league.com) – with clubs receiving the grading criteria handbook later in the spring, which has also been published given the emphasis on transparency throughout the process Rugby League Grading Handbook Updated.pdf (rugby-league.com)
https://www.rugby-league.com/article/62264/seven-betfred-super-league-clubs-awarded-grade-a-status
Seven Betfred Super League clubs have been awarded Grade A status in the indicative phase of the new club grading process that is being introduced as part of Rugby League Commercial and IMG’s ‘Reimagining Rugby League’ strategy.
Leeds Rhinos lead the way, with a score of 17.49 out of the maximum available 20, following detailed analysis of every club’s performance under five pillars – On-Field Performance, Fandom, Finances, Stadium and Community.
They are followed by three clubs separated by 0.14 points, with Wigan Warriors’ success in winning the 2023 Grand Final lifting them to second on 16.87, ahead of St Helens in third on 16.78 and Catalans Dragons in fourth on 16.73.
Warrington Wolves are fifth on 15.75, and both Hull clubs have earned A grades, with Hull KR sixth on 15.52, and Hull FC seventh on 15.05 – just above the threshold of 15 points required to be graded A.
Toulouse Olympique are the highest-performing club outside the Betfred Super League, with their score of 12.97 leaving them 10th in the indicative rankings as the third strongest of the 17 B-graded clubs.
After the data submission deadline, Castleford Tigers submitted information that the RFL will review and consider particularly given the tight scoring margins around the 12th position in the rankings.
Membership of the Betfred Super League in 2025 will be determined by the top 12 teams in the 2024 rankings, which will be announced at the culmination of the 2024 season.
The main purpose of the indicative grading process in 2023 is to give clubs a clear indication of their strengths and weaknesses, and the areas in which they need to improve to increase their score in 2024.
Tony Sutton, the Chief Executive of the Rugby Football League, said:
“Rugby League embarked on a bold journey with the launch of the strategic partnership with IMG in May 2022, and 18 months into that journey, the publication of these indicative club gradings is a highly significant step.
“The sport has had to examine itself more closely than ever, at all levels – whether in terms of our central governance, or for our clubs in assessing all areas of their off-field performance.
“The results are heartening, as seven of our clubs already reach the A Grade by reaching the score IMG set as the benchmark, and which we believe should be the level clubs need to achieve in order to confirm their place in our elite competition – and another 17 have earned a B Grade and now know exactly what they need to do to reach the higher level.
“Congratulations are due to the A Grade clubs, although I know they will not be resting on their laurels as the key to the grading process is that it is dynamic and requires clubs to maintain standards.
“All clubs also deserve recognition for the positive way in which they have engaged in this process, all with the aim of raising the standards of Rugby League – and of reimagining the sport.”
Grading was one of seven recommendations which were presented to Rugby League in the autumn of 2022 as part of IMG’s Reimagining of the sport, and which were supported by a substantial majority of clubs at all levels.
Grading has been designed to incentivise clubs to grow their fanbase and top-line non-centralised revenue, to better engage with fans, to be run in a best-in-class way, to invest in their club and the sport in a sustainable way, and to ensure strong governance.
Full details of the grading criteria were published in early 2023 - IMG & Rugby League Grading Criteria 2023.pdf (rugby-league.com) – with clubs receiving the grading criteria handbook later in the spring, which has also been published given the emphasis on transparency throughout the process Rugby League Grading Handbook Updated.pdf (rugby-league.com)
DIEHARD
Administrator
Really shocked by London's mark. Don't think it's fair, especially when they got a low mark for catchment/juniors/pathways.
Toulouse impressive and offers me a lot of hope.
Toulouse impressive and offers me a lot of hope.
Titanic
Immortal
Thanks for posting DH.
DIEHARD
Administrator
Bradford really got let down by their stadium score, with strong fanbase score.
I just can't imagine Super League without Bradford. One of the famous big four. We need them.
Bradford are now reporting a big spike in season ticket interest.
Bradford Bulls are delighted to reveal Adult/Concession Early Bird Season Ticket sales for the 2024 season have increased by 71.3% when compared to the 2023 season.
https://www.bradfordbulls.co.uk/article/2218/bulls-reveal-impressive-early-bird-increase
I just can't imagine Super League without Bradford. One of the famous big four. We need them.
Bradford are now reporting a big spike in season ticket interest.
Bradford Bulls are delighted to reveal Adult/Concession Early Bird Season Ticket sales for the 2024 season have increased by 71.3% when compared to the 2023 season.
https://www.bradfordbulls.co.uk/article/2218/bulls-reveal-impressive-early-bird-increase
DIEHARD
Administrator
My Super League club 
Warrington crush Huddersfield to set up Wigan Wembley date
Warrington crush Huddersfield to set up Wigan Wembley date
Challenge Cup: Huddersfield Giants 10-46 Warrington Wolves - Wire book Wigan final
Warrington run in eight tries to dismiss Huddersfield and set up a Challenge Cup final against Wigan.
www.bbc.com
DIEHARD
Administrator
Challenge Cup on tonight at midnight Aussie time. Warrington v Wigan. Please win Wolves!
DIEHARD
Administrator
Definitely not the result I wanted. Bridesmaids again. Hope we can give Super League a shake in 2024.
ozynorts
Rep Player
I don’t really follow the SL at all but it sounds confusing. They seem to have multiple competitions.
DIEHARD
Administrator
Yea the Challenge Cup is a prestigious knock-out come, with lower division clubs taking part in early rounds and Super League clubs come in later. It's also played in London, at Wembley. It's a big deal if you can win. Also shown on BBC.