Could Oldham have a Super League side soon?

Oldham R.L.F.C. have big ambitions.

Following a positive season in the Rugby League Championship, Oldham is looking to the future and competing in the top flight.

Author | Alex W

Super News |  Oldham RLFC

What’s the current situation at the highest level of Rugby League in the UK?

The Super League season may be over and attention turning towards the Ashes, but one key question remains unresolved: who will occupy the top-flight spots in 2026.

Earlier this year, the 12 current Super League clubs voted in favour of expanding the competition to 14 teams from next season, marking the first time the league will feature that number since 2014.

As part of IMG and Rugby League Commercial’s “Reimagining Rugby League” project, clubs will continue to be graded on performance and sustainability. The top 12 clubs under that system will be confirmed on Thursday (10:00 BST).

A further announcement is due on Friday (10:00 BST), when a seven-person panel chaired by Lord Caine will reveal which two additional clubs will join the top tier. The panel’s decision will be based on each club’s financial position in 2025, their long-term forecasts for 2026 to 2028, and their ability to field a competitive squad from 2026 onwards.

With financially troubled Salford Red Devils unlikely to retain their Super League status, it seems increasingly possible that three Championship clubs will make the step up.

Super League | Salford Red Devils v Wakefield

Could Oldham be among Salford’s replacements then?

The Roughyeds are a club steeped in rugby league history, having lifted four league titles and three Challenge Cups, though most of their triumphs came in the first half of the 20th century.

In 2025, however, Oldham look a revitalised side under head coach Sean Long. They finished fourth in the Championship this season and have strengthened significantly, recruiting Jack Ormondroyd, Ethan Ryan, Matty Foster and Ryan Brierley from Salford.

It may yet be that Oldham, just a short journey from Salford, will be the ones to fill their neighbours’ place in the top flight.

Who else is competing with Oldham for these Super League places?

York Knights, Bradford Bulls and Toulouse Olympique are the sides that all have aspirations. Visit Super Local Sports News and SuperNewsAffiliate as we delve a little deeper into how the competition might look next season.

Comments

Popular Posts