Hull KR have been named the top-ranked club in the Rugby Football League’s 2025 IMG gradings, scoring 17.85 points to finish ahead of Leeds Rhinos and St Helens.
The Robins’ top spot caps a remarkable period of growth both on and off the field, driven by strong fan engagement, investment in facilities, and consistent Super League performances.
It’s a symbolic moment for the East Hull side, who were fighting relegation not long ago.
Now, they stand as the sport’s benchmark for sustainability and ambition - the clearest success story of IMG’s bid to modernise rugby league’s structure.
Bradford’s Return Raises Eyebrows
Further down the table, Bradford Bulls’ 10th-place finish (14.81) has sparked both excitement and criticism.
The result places them firmly within Super League contention, marking a return to the top flight after years of financial struggles and on-field decline.
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However, their inclusion has been divisive.
Many rival supporters argue that Odsal Stadium’s outdated and crumbling facilities make the club unfit for a top-tier comeback, highlighting that smaller, better-managed sides have been overlooked.
A view from the best side at Odsal. But hey IMG have marked them through the roof. New Directors Lounge, and a reinforced media deck. "we know who that is for" oh and a big screen. Disabled/family facilities, don't be daft that's not what was needed to get back in the boys club. pic.twitter.com/1gOjRXDQhU
— Lawrence Loz Jones (@LozLawrence) October 14, 2025
Critics claim Bradford’s high score reflects the system’s bias towards “historic clubs with commercial pull” rather than those succeeding solely on performance, alongside the club's attempt to "play" the IMG rules.
I don't think Bradford are up because of corruption, they've gamed the system perfectly and fair play to them for it. Wood installing himself as supreme leader while they did it is a terrible look for the game though. https://t.co/uDdp7uAkyd
— Gavin Wilson... (@GavWilson) October 15, 2025
Defenders counter that the Bulls’ recent efforts to rebuild commercially and reconnect with their community justify their resurgence - even if the stadium remains an eyesore.
Bradford has been quick to announce their intentions to build a Super League side, with seven new signings.
Follower-Buying Allegations Cloud the Results
The integrity of the gradings has also come under renewed scrutiny amid reports that some clubs are being investigated for allegedly buying social media followers to artificially inflate their digital engagement metrics - one of the five key pillars used in IMG’s scoring formula.
While no official findings have yet been made, rumours have sparked frustration among fans and rival administrators, who claim it exposes flaws in relying on digital “reach” as a core measure of a club’s worth.
One Championship executive was quoted anonymously describing it as “a system that rewards smoke and mirrors over substance.”
Criticism of the Grading System Persists
The IMG grading model, which assesses clubs based on performance, fandom, finances, stadium, and catchment, was designed to promote stability and growth.
Yet, critics argue that it has created a de facto closed shop, protecting legacy clubs while limiting upward mobility.
Many fans see the system as a betrayal of rugby league’s core value: success earned on the pitch.
The RFL can today confirm the IMG Grading of the 35 clubs across Super League, Championship and League One following the 2025 season. pic.twitter.com/se9c7D4eya
— Rugby Football League (@TheRFL) October 16, 2025
14-Team Super League Announcement Looms
All eyes now turn to tomorrow’s RFL announcement (Friday, October 17), when the governing body will confirm which two clubs will join the 12 existing Super League sides in a new 14-team competition.
With London, Toulouse, and York all in contention, tensions are high - and the fallout could reshape the sport’s structure for years to come.
Whether Hull KR’s triumph and Bradford’s rebirth are signs of progress or proof of imbalance depends on who you ask.
But one thing is sure: rugby league’s ongoing tug-of-war between tradition, meritocracy, and modernisation remains unresolved.
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