LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Super League 2.0 has finally arrived, bringing with it a renewed sense of hope and excitement for rugby league fans.
Like a team in need of a fresh start, the sport has repeatedly attempted to reinvent itself over the years, with Super League in 1996 being the biggest game-changer.
But now, with the full rollout of IMG's revolutionary plans, it seems like the sport is ready to reach new heights.
Inside the Rugby Football League's headquarters, there's a room filled with forgotten marketing gimmicks, gathering dust.
Licencing, Super 8s, and Every Minute Matters have all had their time in the limelight but are now distant memories.
However, there is a sense of cautious optimism that things are finally changing for the better.
The 2024 season holds the key to Super League's long-term prospects, as it marks the full implementation of IMG's game-changing partnership.
This ambitious plan aims to bring rugby league into the mainstream, capturing the attention of a wider audience.
The hope is that this infusion of new ideas will rekindle interest in the sport and propel it to new heights.
Thursday night's Hull derby marks the beginning of a new era, as the first official game played under the new gradings system.
Gone are the days of promotion and relegation; now, it's all about on- and off-field metrics determining which 12 clubs earn a coveted Super League berth for the following season.
The element of uncertainty adds a thrilling twist to the competition, further fueling interest under IMG's vision.
Matt Dwyer, IMG's vice-president of sports management, acknowledges the challenges of growing a sport.
If there was a magic wand, they would have fixed everything in an instant, but they understand that building success takes time.
These changes are not going unnoticed, and the majority of people can see the positive progress happening in front of their eyes.
Super League 2.0 is a bold and ambitious venture, like a player charging down the field with determination and skill.
With IMG's clout and a renewed focus on broadening the sport's appeal, rugby league is ready to captivate a new generation of fans.
The stage is set, the players are ready, and Super League's latest new era is about to kick off with a bang.