2024 Season Preview: London Broncos

Nobody would have ever predicted London Broncos would take the final place in 2024's Betfred Super League, but their journey back to the big time has been thoroughly deserved.

Finishing 18 points behind the Championship high-flyers Featherstone Rovers in fifth-place, many believed the Broncos would just be there to make up the numbers when it came to the play-off competition, with no real chance of winning their first play-off tie, let alone the potential of even reaching the Grand Final!

But Mike Eccles' men turned up when it mattered, and exceptional play-off victories against Sheffield Eagles and Featherstone sealed their Grand Final trip to Toulouse, where they would then produce a famous fightback to win 18-14. All of this means that London Broncos will have their shot at Super League once more, after 2019's relegation.

Their magical season was also acknowledged at the 2023 Rugby League Awards night, where the Broncos received treble recognition, as Dean Parata was named Betfred Championship Player of the Year. Bill Leyland also picked up the Championship Young Player of the Year Award for his efforts, with Mike Eccles winning the Championship Coach of the Year as London's stunning late-season form would go on to result in their incredible promotion.

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? It?s not every year you win the Grand Final and complete the clean sweep at the end of season awards..

COTY - Mike Eccles
POTY - Dean Parata
YPOTY - Bill Leyland

? A spectacular achievement by all involved.#WeAreLondon? pic.twitter.com/umaW2zQcyR
— London Broncos (@LondonBroncosRL) December 31, 2023

The Broncos have recruited carefully, making a few new additions to their side, whilst keeping the majority of their existing squad from last year. Looking ahead to 2024, London will have the belief they can compete against others in Super League and will be relishing their top flight challenge - looking to cause a few upsets to teams this year.

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Rising up from the darkness this all black shirt will proudly be worn as our home kit in 2??0??2??4??.

Available to pre-order on the link below.

? https://t.co/OeFoOWjRwe

? You Boy Films #WeAreLondon? pic.twitter.com/v4d2UhKiK4
— London Broncos (@LondonBroncosRL) January 22, 2024

Ins & outs

Ins

Sadiq Adebiyi, Robbie Storey (both Keighley), Rhys Kennedy (Hull KR), Gideon Boafo (Newcastle Thunder), James Meadows (Batley Bulldogs), Josh Rourke (Whitehaven RLFC), Hakim Miloudi (Limoux Grizzlies), Jack Campagnolo (South Logan Magpies), Lee Kershaw (following a successful trial, previously Wakefield Trinity).

Outs

Paul Ulberg (Toulouse), Wellington Albert (Featherstone Rovers).

Ones to watch

2024 stars

Loyal Londoner Alex Walker will be a key player in the Broncos side, having competed in Super League before with both the Broncos and Wakefield Trinity, respectively. Walker also scored a crucial try in London's promotion game, deservedly earning Player of the Match, and knows exactly what to expect at top-level - openly admitting that he plays his best rugby league when with the Broncos.

The Grand Final's player of the match is: Alex Walker! ?

And what a game he had, with a try scored and a second grand final win under his belt! ???

?- Paul Cowan#WeAreLondon? pic.twitter.com/P7lhOSCfta
— London Broncos (@LondonBroncosRL) October 17, 2023

New recruit Josh Rourke will also be ready to make an impact in 2024, as he is presented with an opportunity to play in Super League with the Broncos side. The former Whitehaven star made a name for himself in the Championship in 2023, bagging himself five of the club's end of the season awards - and he could have a potential combination with one of London's latest signings Hakim Miloudi, at some point. Versatile Miloudi has previous Super League experience with Hull FC, which could prove to be extremely valuable to Mike Eccles' side, and he has also played for France on an international level.

Next generation

Oli Leyland was a runner-up for the Betfred Championship Young Player of the Year in 2022 - 12 months before his younger brother Bill won the award in 2023. As a product of London's academy, 22-year-old Leyland is committed to the cause, and has extended his contract with the Broncos for the 2024 season. This prospering young half-back has featured 66 times for his hometown club and scored more than 300 points in all competitions, since his debut in 2021.

Having played a key part in London's promotion win over Toulouse, we can certainly expect to see a lot more from Oli Leyland this year, as he firmly embeds himself into the first team and continues to grow. He will also be challenging for a first team spot and learning from the experienced half-back pairing Jack Campagnolo and James Meadows - a youngster looking to make a name for himself in 2024.

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London Broncos are delighted to announce that Oli Leyland will be staying at the club for 2024.

Oli was the @LondonBroncosSA Player of the Year in 2023.#WeAreLondon ? #BackTheBroncos ? pic.twitter.com/lHhEl2rzqv
— London Broncos (@LondonBroncosRL) November 6, 2023

Defining dates

For London Broncos, it is imperative that pick up the wins when and where they can in 2024, to have any realistic chance of competing and avoiding the dreaded 12th place. It's going to be a tough ask for Mike Eccles' men, who are firm underdogs, as the first two rounds see them travel over to St Helens' Totally Wicked Stadium, before hosting last year's Grand Finalists Catalans Dragons at the Cherry Red Records Stadium.

With work now fully underway on the squad for the 2024 season, make sure to get your season ticket as we return to the Super League!???

?| https://t.co/CruIVo8tyD#WeAreLondon? #BacktheBroncos pic.twitter.com/pWtrUDN14H
— London Broncos (@LondonBroncosRL) November 3, 2023

Their two mid-season fixtures against last year's survivors Castleford Tigers will be of extreme importance, as a crucial two points from each of these games could prove to be season-deciding in terms of the final league standings.

Team and togetherness is required from this Broncos side, who must aim to give and perform their all - hoping it can be enough.

Squad list

1. Alex Walker, 2. Lee Kershaw, 3. Jarred Bassett, 4. Hakim Miloudi, 5. Iliess Macani, 6. Jack Campagnolo, 7. James Meadows, 8. Rob Butler, 9. Sam Davis, 10. Lewis Bienek, 11. Will Lovell, 12. Ethan Natoli, 13. Dean Parata, 14. Bill Leyland, 15. Marcus Stock, 16. Jordan Williams, 17. Sadiq Abebiyi, 18. Emmanuel Waine, 19. Rhys Kennedy, 20. Oli Leyland, 21. Robbie Storey, 22. Gideon Boafo, 23. Josh Rourke, 24. Matt Davies, 25. Harry Stevens, 26. Jersen Monk, 27. Dan Hoyes, 28. Jack Hughes.