YORK Knights have been labelled as the 'standout' and a future Betfred Super League side following their IMG grading.

The Knights enjoyed a superb second-half of the season under Head Coach Mark Applegarth, ending their Betfred Championship campaign in fourth position and in the play-off semi-finals; where they would go on to lose 22-13 to eventual victors Wakefield Trinity.

As reported by the Press on Wednesday, York improved upon their 2023 IMG grading by two places, and will continue in the Championship for the 2025 season.

The Knights were scored with 12.42 points, up from 10.05 points from the previous year and in 15th place of the 35 total clubs.

Applegarth's side were also ranked the third-highest in the Championship, only behind Toulouse Olympique and relegated London Broncos.

Following their impressive form at the end of the season and their improvement in IMG grading, Rugby League Commercial chief executive Rhodri Jones has picked York out as a potential future Super League side.

Speaking to Rugby League Live, Jones commented: “York for me is a real standout.

"People talk about 14 teams and the prospect of a 14-team Super League, are they a viable Super League club in the next two to three years?

"I think the answer is yes.

“They have a great facility and management structure, and a great women’s and wheelchair team as well.

"They have the ingredients to become a very strong Super League proposition for us in the future.”

Jones also confirmed on Wednesday that discussions are set to quicken with regards to expanding the Super League to 14 teams, with three quarters of the competition holding Grade A status.

It is expected that with the Knights improving upon their IMG rankings and having future ambitions of a Grade A status, that they would be considered as potential new members of the Super League.