The Betfred Championship and League 1 clubs were given a clear plan by the RFL yesterday on how the structure of the two divisions would look going forward for the next three years.

The headline decision, from Bulls’ perspective, came in the form of hugely-increased prize money for the winners of the Championship Grand Final, given that no longer guarantees automatic promotion to Super League.

From next season onwards, the 12 Super league clubs will be decided by the Rugby Football League and IMG’s grading system, which considers factors like fanbase, community engagement and stadium facilities, as well as on-field performance.

As it stands, only Toulouse, Wakefield and Bulls of the Championship clubs look to have any chance of being in the top flight for 2025, based on the indicative IMG ratings that were revealed last October.

Of that trio, Bulls have the lowest score as it stands, and look most likely to be ranked 13th or 14th when the final grades for the 2025 season at the end of the year, therefore just missing out on a Super League place for now.

Therefore yesterday’s structure revamp, which will also see the introduction of Super Eights from 2025 to determine promotion and relegation between Championship and League 1, was welcomed by the Odsal outfit, who look set to be directly affected by some of the chances.  

Bulls’ CEO, Jason Hirst, told the T&A: “The club welcomed the ongoing dialogue with all Championship and League 1 clubs with regard to the competition structure between 2024 and 2026.

“The agreed outcome came through collaboration between the RFL and its member clubs and provides clarity to allow all clubs to plan and budget accordingly.

“The club, therefore, supports and welcomes these changes, as it’s imperative that the sport and its competitions refresh, evolve and provide new revenue stream opportunities.

“We continue to prepare and push for promotion to Super League at the earliest opportunity.”