London Broncos vs Hull FC Match Sponsor: TicketCo

MATCH REPORT: Bradford Bulls 20-6 London Broncos The 2025 Betfred Championship season kicked off for London Broncos at Bradford Bulls Odsal Stadium. In what was a typically chilly February afternoon there were contrasting expectations on the respective teams seasons. For Mike Eccles’ Broncos there were just five players in the matchday squad who had featured in the 2024 season and only 4 who had played a league game. Whilst for Brian Noble’s hosts they had recruited heavily and their plan is to be in Super League as soon as 2025. Despite Jake Thewlis and Zac Bardsley-Rowe only joining up with the Broncos squad this week the pair went straight into the starting line-up alongside fellow teenager and loan player Kian McDermott. Meanwhile Lukas Mason was named as interchange. Alex Walker got things underway as he kicked things off and it quickly became apparent that this Broncos side were not intimidated by the task in front of them and matched the Bulls set for set. Connor O’Beirne and Luke Polselli were playing in the halves alongside one another for the first time but the Aussie connection was clear from the off as they carried a constant threat with the ball in hand. Polselli with his pace and O’Beirne’s kicking game gave plenty to think about for the Bulls defence. 13 minutes in and it was Broncos first to threaten the scoreboard as Luke Polselli tried the grubber but that nearly backfired as it was collected by Taufusi who then released Holmes who was inches away from racing the full length but a desperate Broncos tackle prevented the certain score. Just a couple of minutes later Chris Hellec - who was celebrating making his debut on his birthday - intercepted a Bulls attack 10 metres out and raced away. It always appeared he would likely be caught but he managed to get halfway before he was illegally stopped with a high tackle.