Castleford Tigers have officially released a statement regarding their position in the ongoing Super League 2026 selection process, putting an end to recent speculation about the club’s future.
After much deliberation, the Tigers confirmed they have not submitted an application to be considered as one of the additional two clubs for the Super League 2026 campaign. Instead, the club revealed their confidence in their existing standing and performance under the IMG grading system.
> “After careful consideration, the club can confirm that we have not submitted an application to be in the Super League for 2026 through the process that selects the additional two clubs,” the statement read.
“This is because we are very confident that our IMG score will secure our place in the Super League 2026.”
The IMG grading process has been introduced to evaluate clubs on a range of criteria beyond just on-field performance, including finances, facilities, fan engagement, and long-term sustainability. Castleford believe their standing across these areas is strong enough to ensure they remain a Super League club without needing to go through the alternative application route.
This announcement has been met with both relief and curiosity among supporters. Some fans welcomed the show of confidence from the club’s hierarchy, insisting that Castleford’s long-standing presence and contributions to the sport deserve recognition. Others, however, have questioned whether taking such a bold stance could be risky, should IMG’s grading results not fall in their favor.
For now, the Tigers are backing themselves to maintain their Super League status, choosing belief in their long-term foundations over the uncertainty of additional applications. The full IMG grading results are expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the final lineup for the 2026 Super League season.
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