Championship clubs outline major IMG flaws as on-field promotion deemed necessity

Multiple Rugby League Championship clubs have issued statements criticizing the 2026 IMG grading criteria following the announcement of the latest rankings. Clubs including Oldham, Barrow Raiders, and Widnes Vikings expressed frustration with the system's execution, arguing that promotion and relegation should be determined strictly by on-field sporting performance rather than grading metrics.

Oldham director Gary Kershaw accused rival clubs of exaggerating attendance figures and questioned facility deductions, noting Boundary Park lost a point because a TV gantry was slightly too short. Meanwhile, Barrow acknowledged their ground is not Super League ready despite leading Championship rankings, and Widnes warned the updated criteria widened the gap between the top flight and the second tier.