MATCH PREVIEW: Bradford Bulls vs London Broncos

GAMEWEEK: London Broncos vs Featherstone Rovers London Broncos kickstart their 2025 season at The Cherry Red Records Stadium on Sunday, 23rd February as they take on Featherstone Rovers. It is the first game at home since the Super League clash with Leeds Rhinos when more than 4,000 fans watched on as the Broncos came agonisingly close to causing a major upset. The 2025 season started in Bradford and the Broncos put up a strong showing against the division favourites, leading at half-time. They now have the opportunity to get the first win on the board when they welcome another hotly tipped side to Wimbledon. To get your tickets for this game please click the LINK below.

HIGHLIGHTS: Bradford Bulls 20-6 London Broncos You can now watch back the highlights from Sunday's Championship opener where Bradford Bulls took the two points at Odsal. Jensen Monk scored his first try for the club whilst there were debuts for Chris Hellec, Lukas Mason, Jake Thewlis & Zac Bardsley-Rowe. Watch the highlights below.

POST-MATCH REACTION London Broncos Director of Rugby & Performance Mike Eccles has said he is proud of how his team performed in the season opener to Bradford despite defeat. The Broncos had led at half-time but the home side came on strong in the second half to take the points at Odsal. Watch the full post-match press conference with Mike Eccles below.

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.

FULL-TIME GALLERY: Bradford Bulls 20-6 London Broncos Take a look at some of the best pictures from this afternoon's season opener away to Bradford Bulls. Jensen Monk scoring the try as Mike Eccles men came out on the wrong side of the result at Odsal. #WeAreLondon

TEAM NEWS: Bradford Bulls vs London Broncos Mike Eccles has named his starting line-up for this afternoon’s season opener away at Bradford Bulls. There are three debutants as Chris Hellec and the loan duo of Jake Thewlis and Zac Bardsley-Rowe are in the starting 13, meanwhile Lukas Mason is also in the matchday squad for the first time. Marcus Stock, Will Lovell, Lewis Bienek, Sadiq Adebiyi and Alex Walker bring some familiarity and experience to the side. The team in full;

WHO HAS PLAYED FOR BOTH? London Broncos and Bradford Bulls It will be a reunion of such for a few of the opposition players this weekend with James Meadows, Emmanuel Waine, Matty Gee, Guy Armitage and Joe Keyes all wearing the colours of the Bulls in 2025. None of the current Broncos squad have played for the Bulls but it is a path that has been trodden many times over the years. Who else would you include in this list? Henry Paul Most famous for his time at Wigan and Bradford the New Zealander was a prolific winner and points scorer during his time in England. In the 2001 season Paul would break the record for the most points scored in a single season with 178. Paul would then successfully cross codes and play for Gloucester for 5 years before returning to League and playing for Harlequins for two seasons.

SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Bradford Bulls vs London Broncos Mike Eccles has named his squad for the season opener away to Bradford Bulls on Sunday (16th). Five players could make their debuts after being named in the squad with; Chris Hellec, Sam Winney & Lukas Mason included. Meanwhile, Warrington Wolves duo Jake Thewlis & Zac Bardsley-Rowe joined the club on loan this week and are in line to play this weekend. The full squad is available below;

DEAN PARATA IN THE LEGENDS LOUNGE London Broncos are delighted to announce that our first guest for the newly named Legends Lounge for the opening league game of the season will be Dean Parata. The Legends Lounge will be replacing the Gold Lounge at The Cherry Red Records this season offering an improved level of hospitality. Dean retired at the end of last season after 3 stellar seasons at the club which saw him; be named as vice-captain to Will Lovell, win promotion to Super League and won Championship Player of the Year in 2023. The Aussie born former Italian international also played for the visitors, Featherstone Rovers prior to moving to London. In the lounge you can enjoy; - Padded seat for match - Lounge access and private bar - One course hot meal - Arrival drink - Half time teas and coffee - Matchday 'Legend' Q&A with a London Broncos heritage player - Dedicated matchday host