The competition began with nineteen teams, but York Wasps folded early in the season.

This was the last season of the Premiership as for 2003 the teams were split into two divisions of the National League.

The league was won by the Huddersfield Giants, who beat the Leigh Centurions in the Grand Final.

Huddersfield Giants were promoted to the Super League.

York Wasps started this season but ceased to exist after 11 games.