Controversial Leigh Leopards owner Derek Beaumont has stated he will ‘legally fight’ for Hull FC to get relegated should they finish bottom of Super League. The Black and Whites moved to 12th position on points difference after Saturday’s 58-4 humiliation to Salford Red Devils, with London Broncos just edged out 12-8 away at Catalans Dragons.

The spirited account in Perpignan saw the Broncos move off the bottom by the slenderest of margins, with their points differential being -545 compared to Hull at -546. And with one round to go, London facing Warrington and Hull hosting Catalans, there is a possibility that the latter will finish bottom ahead of IMG-ball coming to effect in 2025.

Under IMG’s new system, all professional rugby league clubs will be graded under five pillars, with the top 12 clubs remaining in Super League. Hull are one of seven provisional Grade A clubs and are pretty much guaranteed their place, with London a Grade B club and sitting 24th in the rankings—an eventuality that will see them drop out of the top tier regardless of whether they finish bottom or not.

Posting on his account, Beaumont wrote: “I face challenges! That said, no Myler or Pearson at LSV this year! I haven’t gone from being a top club to bottom. I’ve come from outside the league to being above you both years and winning a trophy! I hope I am not at FC, as I expect they get relegated if finishing bottom, which I think they will! I will legally fight for that if it happens!”

In another post, Beaumont accused Hull FC of ‘giving in’ this year when challenged about why there was no criticism for Huddersfield Giants, who lost 66-0 to Warrington Wolves on Saturday. He wrote: “It’s a team that’s give in once, there is nothing to play for, not an owner that gave in once he couldn’t be relegated and saved what money he could! See London Broncos put up another amazing fight! Interesting last regular round ahead.”

Beaumont’s feud with Hull has been long standing this year after previous ‘clearing the decks’ comments. He also called the club’s 68-6 reverse at Leeds Rhinos last week as a ‘disgrace to the game.’

Before that, he called Hull ‘desperate’ after the signing of current Leigh captain John Asiata. The loose-forward will join Hull on a three-year deal next season, with Beaumont questioning if the player’s body will last the three years. Hull have also signed Tom Briscoe from Leigh this year, as well as Ed Chamberlain on loan. Chamberlain will make that move permanent next season, alongside new recruits Oliver Holmes and Zak Hardaker.

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