Change default case status on an incoming request.

I have a question regarding new requests coming into ServiceDeskPlus

I want every request that is logged into SDP to get the same custom status, the system has two default statuses that can not be edited ("open" and "on hold") and it seems all requests that are being opened get the "open" status.
I have tried to change this via Business Rules but no matter what I try they always get logged as status= "open"

Is there a way around this? The business rules seem to offer this option but it does not register...
I did a quick search on the forum but have not seen it here, if it has been logged could someone please send me a link.

...help