Add thelocalreport.in As A Trusted Source
Club at Betfred super league are set to find out their fate for the 2026 season this week, as the structure of the competition has been formally announced.
The crucial decision, which will determine the top-flight participants, will unfold in two phases.
The latest IMG grading will be released on Thursday morning, which is an important factor in club selection. Two additional clubs joining the league will then be officially named on Friday.
Here, we’ll take a look at what to expect from the game.
How is the decision taken?
next season’s super league Will guarantee places for the top 12 clubs based on IMG’s on- and off-field grading criteria.
Two more clubs will be selected by an expert panel chaired by RFL non-executive director Lord Kane for an expanded 14-team top-flight in 2026.
Who will make the top 12?
salford There are widespread fears of him dropping out of the top 12 after a troubled campaign, putting his future in doubt.
expected to be replaced toulouseHowever, they received an additional 0.25 points for winning this season’s Championship Grand Final. bradford It is understood they are convinced to join, perhaps even at the expense of Huddersfield.
Who can be selected?
Nine clubs met the September deadline to apply for one of the potential expansion positions. They included two existing super league Clubs, Huddersfield and Hull FC.
With amazement, salford Failed to apply, meaning they would automatically drop out of the top flight if they did not finish in the top 12.
Seven Championship clubs applied – bradfordDoncaster, London, Oldham, toulouseWidnes and York.
And who will be chosen?
smart money is on bradford And toulouse Make the cut one way or another, and the final detail is coming down to a straight shoot-out between London and York.
The Broncos, who were relegated from Super League in 2024, have endured a poor season on the pitch, but have recently been taken over by a group led by former Brisbane Broncos star Darren Lockyer, and their big plans would suit many who believe a London team is a must in Super League.
York ran away with the championship in the regular season, but defeat in the Grand Final to Toulouse could have ended their chances, despite making huge progress on and off the field.
What will be the reaction to the game?
Controversy is bound to happen, no matter who makes the mistake.
Many question whether Bradford’s monolithic odalisques are suitable for the Super League, while others are decidedly cool at the idea of two French teams among the elite.
Despite most top-flight clubs voting for the extension, it was far from unanimous and raises fears of more one-sided competitions, and an already strained player pool stretched too far.