timeThe winds of change are blowing across rugby league more than ever as IMG’s plans to revolutionize the sport begin to take shape. Later this year a tiered system will replace promotion and relegation, with the ultimate goal being simple: the biggest and best clubs on and off the pitch compete in the Chinese Super League.
In a sport where big city influence can be sparse, Hull FC and Leeds Rhinos represent the two pillars of IMG’s plans. They were two of seven clubs awarded provisional A-level status at the end of last year, meaning their future in the Super League is safe no matter what happens on the field: and that’s a good thing too.
Two of the biggest clubs in the sport consistently attract five-figure crowds and produce more top talent than most, but they have struggled on the pitch. In this confrontation, Leeds United narrowly won 18-12 with two shots from debutants Riley Lamb and Cameron Smith, showing that the two clubs are in a period of transformation.
Hull City’s season has been turbulent to say the least, after sacking Tony Smith on April 11 and appointing Richie Myler – a former Leeds United defender who was playing for Championship side Yorkshire just a month ago. Chi Myler – as their new director of rugby but failed to lure Salford’s Paul Rowley to Humberside to replace Smith.
We’re not even in May yet, but the reality is they’ve been reduced to playing for pride. They are a staggering 10 points adrift of a playoff spot and have missed out on the Challenge Cup, meaning whoever inherits the Hull City manager job will have a major rebuilding job ahead of them. Chronic recruiting woes have left this great club in dire straits.
They may be lucky that IMG have had their relegation scrapped, as they will battle London Broncos for Super League safety, a match they could easily lose based on their performance so far this year. Myler’s appointment was seen as a catalyst for change amid speculation of new investment in the sector, but it’s not that simple.
Hull will have to overhaul their squad over the coming months, with high-earning senior players underperforming and others approaching the end of their careers. They have used 33 players this year, and after loaning players from other Chinese Super League clubs, the number of players in the team reached 45.
There’s certainly no shortage of effort from their young squad here, and in that regard, this is a notable step forward. But in the long run, the Hull City faithful will need more than just an effort. As for Leeds United, the expectations of success are arguably greater, at least in a better situation in the standings.
The win puts them within two points of a playoff spot, but they don’t look like a team that has the potential to win a trophy this year. Like Hull, Leeds at least have a steady stream of promising young talent.
Unlike Hull City, Leeds United spent a lot of money in the winter transfer market, but they often cheated others. This has raised questions about Rohan Smith’s future as coach but it is understood he retains the confidence of Headingley hierarchy.
But here, against a Hull side that has conceded more than 50 points four times this year, his side were tepid to say the least. While Leeds still have plenty of games to play, Hull City’s challenge now is to begin a major rebuild with the season not even halfway through.
The newcomers arriving at the MKM Stadium have a difficult task to restore a club that five or six years ago was still competing on all fronts.
We already know Hull City and Leeds United will be safe when IMG hand out Super League places for 2025. But anything like success is out of reach for both clubs, who expect more than just standing still. But that in itself may raise a bigger question: With no relegation in IMG’s plans, can you go as smooth as ever without any consequences? Perhaps something worth pondering over the next few years.
