Wakefield Trinity has surged to the top of the 2026 club grading rankings with a score of 17.85, matching the record set by 2025 champions Hull KR under Matt Ellis’ ownership.
Wakefield Matches Record High as Leeds and Warrington Shift Positions
Wakefield Trinity’s ascent to the pinnacle of the 2026 club grading rankings marks a stunning turnaround. Last year, the club sat eighth with a mark of 15.47, hovering just above the threshold for Category A status. By matching 2025 champions Hull KR’s record grading score of 17.85, Wakefield has cemented its rise both on and off the field under Matt Ellis’ ownership.
RFL chief executive Ian Nolan described the achievement as a strong example of how sustained progress is recognized through the grading framework. Wakefield Trinity’s rise to the top of the 2026 club grading rankings is a fascinating story for rugby league, and a strong example of how sustained progress on and off the field can be recognised through the grading framework,
Nolan stated, pointing to broader metrics including growing attendances, digital audiences, and facility improvements.
Behind the leaders, Leeds Rhinos hold firm in second place with a score of 17.03, though their total dips slightly from the previous year. Meanwhile, Warrington Wolves have jumped from sixth to third. Their rise stems from a much stronger campaign that culminated in reaching the Grand Final at Old Trafford, where they ultimately fell to Wakefield.
Wigan Stays Fourth While St Helens Slips Out of the Top Six
Wigan occupy fourth place once again after securing both the Challenge Cup and the League Leaders’ Shield. They sit just above Hull KR and Leigh Leopards in the tightly contested upper tier. In contrast, St Helens experienced a notable slide, dropping from third to seventh following a season that saw them miss out on the play-offs for the first time in the Super League era.
Castleford Tigers complete the Category A lineup. They vaulted from 11th in 2025 up to eighth, securing a top-tier spot despite finishing 13th in the Super League standings. Catalans Dragons and Hull FC occupy ninth and 10th places, though both clubs slipped from Category A down to Category B status.
| Club | 2026 Grade Status | Previous Ranking / Status |
|---|---|---|
| Wakefield Trinity | Category A (17.85) | 8th (15.47) |
| Leeds Rhinos | Category A (17.03) | 2nd |
| Warrington Wolves | Category A | 6th |
| St Helens | Category A | 3rd |
| Catalans Dragons | Category B | Category A |
Further down the ladder, Bradford Bulls and Huddersfield Giants follow in the rankings, with Toulouse Olympique and York Knights taking 13th and 14th respectively. Across the board, only six of the 14 Super League clubs managed to score higher than they did twelve months ago.
A significant gap remains between the top flight and the teams outside the main competition. York’s score of 13.24 stood comfortably clear of Barrow at 9.85. London finished with 9.77, declining from their mark of 11.65 recorded last year. In total, 26 clubs underwent evaluation across the three categories.
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