In addition to stating that a crowd of over 7,500 for Friday night’s game against Leigh Leopards will earn the club the maximum number of IMG points, director of the Castleford Tigers Martin Jepson also stated that the team had “every possibility” of becoming a Grade A club as early as this year.
For the remainder of the Super League season, the Tigers have little to play for on the pitch because Craig Lingard’s team is far ahead of Hull FC and the London Broncos in the bottom two.
However, the team feels that their season-ending home game versus the Leopards might have a significant impact on both their IMG score and, ultimately, their spot in the Super League the following season.
With a variety of ticket offerings that promise a large Wheldon Road audience, they have made a determined attempt to try and push for a sell-out on Friday.
To receive the maximum 2.50 points, clubs must average 7,500 or more over the previous three seasons. Castleford failed to meet this requirement in the provisional gradings last year. The Tigers have not yet revealed the figure that would allow them to win the required points on Friday.
However, Jepson stated in an exclusive interview with Love Rugby League that he thinks Castleford would cross the finish line on Friday with a score close to the necessary average, increasing their IMG score and maybe eliminating any uncertainty about their Super League position.
As a club, Friday night holds great significance for us, according to Jepson. “So far this season, every game has been significant, but this one is really the one where it’s decided.” We should be fine if we get about 7,500 people through the turnstiles—not tickets purchased, but people actually attending the game—because that’s what matters to IMG.
Based on a three-season schedule, I believe we would reach the necessary amount. which would be fantastic for our club. I understand that’s what we’ll need, and ticket sales are trending rather nicely.
The team provided a thorough report on their IMG status last week, announcing a number of improvements they think would improve their score enough by the time the grades are made public in a month.
According to Jepson, given everything goes according to plan and is subject to external audits, Castleford has a chance to surpass the 15-point mark this season, which would guarantee them Grade A status and keep them out of relegation.
He stated, “We think we’ll be pretty close to it.” “We believe we have every chance of succeeding. Since it’s pending final verifications, I can’t say for sure, but things are constantly changing.
For instance, we have ordered the LED boards, which will be installed following the final game. That will encourage us to focus on the points even more. The club has provided a very thorough explanation of the foundation for improvement and how it would get us to about the 15-point mark.
Jepson also acknowledged that the club released its statement the previous week in an effort to allay “whispers” that Castleford would be demoted from Super League for having an inadequate IMG score.
“It was crucial that our supporters knew where we were,” he remarked.
“Despite everything we’ve said throughout the season, there are still a lot of questions and uncertainties due to the system. It’s large old booklet, the IMG one, and unless you want to send yourself to sleep you wouldn’t want to read it!
