KEIGHLEY Cougars have decried what they see as "arrogant elitism", as their battle against the RFL and IMG's plans to revamp rugby league intensified with a visit to Parliament.

Clubs are set to be graded next year as part of a mini-licensing system due to come into force in the top three tiers of rugby league from 2025.

Rather than traditional promotion and relegation, clubs are set to be placed in divisions based on a variety of on-field and off-field factors, which Cougars are vehemently against, their belief being that results on the pitch should be the only way to decide who plays in which division.

Keighley have publicly expressed their opposition to these plans on numerous occasions, but now have cross-party support, with both Robbie Moore MP and Labour candidate John Grogan on their side.

Earlier this week, Robbie Moore MP arranged for Cougars owners Ryan O’Neill and Kaue Garcia to meet with the Sports Minister, Rt Hon Stuart Andrew MP.

While there, the Cougars were given an opportunity to share their concerns with government.

In a club statement, they said: "In a weekend where Cougar Park was packed to the rafters for the Keighley v Bradford derby, there was no presence from IMG nor the RFL.

"Rugby league can grow, if we focus, support, market, and build on our own turf.

"We believe fake expansion, spreadsheet grading, and arrogant elitism will kill the sport."