OLDHAM say the club’s trajectory is “hugely positive” after they were awarded a category C with a score of 7, as part of the RFL and IMG’s ‘Reimagining Rugby League’ strategy, writes Kasey Smith.

The Roughyeds’ score is down from last year’s indicative, and unaudited, grading of 7.39 – something the club says was “fully expected”

“While disappointed to see a slight dip in our score from last year’s indicative total, this was fully expected given the 3-year time frame used for IMG scoring, with our current owners having been in charge for just half of that. Our overall trajectory is hugely positive,” read a statement on the club’s website.

“IMG have applauded the increase in our average attendance to over 1500 for the first time and a huge increase in digital engagements from our media team, as well as a much stronger financial balance sheet.

“Tireless work already over the off-season has seen a major investment to redevelop our Melrose training base, and further development of our pathway and women’s teams.

“The guidance from which we can continue our improvements is both clear and encouraging, with a score of 10.22 easily attainable with amendments to a TV gantry and tweaks to our Foundation.

The club has also revealed, had they been graded based on 2024’s performances alone, they would have been awarded 8.97 – a sound B grading, meaning they would be eligible to compete in the top tier should Oldham be one of the top twelve ranked clubs.

Should Oldham perform as good as this year, or better, in 2025 they would be set to increase their overall score significantly.

Bizarrely, the move from Whitebank to Boundary Park actually saw the club lose points with regards to the facilities score.

While average crowds have more than doubled from 723 in 2023 to 1,618 (based on the club’s attendance figures this year), the score is calculated by dividing the average crowd by the capacity – which has risen from 1,564 to over 13,000.

This means that even if Oldham had an average of 4,000 supporters at Boundary Park, they would have gained more points at their old venue.

The grading framework, aimed at raising minimum standards and elevating the sport, ranks clubs in five different criteria: fandom, performance, finances, stadium and community.

The twelve clubs ranked highest according to the framework will compete in Super League, with no direct on-field route to promotion.

Wakefield, who were relegated in the 2023 season, replace London Broncos who were ranked just outside of the top 12 with a score of 12.65.

Salford are the lowest ranked Super League side with a score of 13.97, meaning Toulouse who scored 13.58 missed out on a place in the top flight by less than half a point.