MATCH PREVIEW: Halifax Panthers vs London Broncos
Jake Watson • 24 April 2025
MATCH PREVIEW: Halifax Panthers vs London Broncos
London Broncos will be looking to upset the odds on Sunday when they make the trip to the league leaders Halifax Panthers in round 8 of the Championship season.
Kyle Eastmond’s side have been somewhat of a surprise package so far this season winning 6 of their opening 7 games to lead at this early stage. The Broncos meanwhile, have had an indifferent start with Mike Eccles operating with one of the smallest squads in the division.
Last week Broncos came out on the wrong side of the battle at Barrow, another side who are fighting at the top end so far. It was a game that came at an extra cost as Jenson Binks and Sam Winney picked up injuries that will rule them out for this weekend at the very least.
In positive news Louix Gorman, from Hull KR, remains with the squad after making his debut in the previous game and Emmanuel Waine has joined on loan from Bradford Bulls for the next two weeks.
The squad selected by Mike Eccles is available to view below.
PRE-MATCH INTEVIEWS
Luke Polselli has been a shining light during the early stages of his London Broncos career. The Italian international has produced some all action displays and scored a number of tries.
We caught up with Polselli about the start to his Broncos career and the challenge of Halifax this weekend.
ONE TO WATCH
Louis Jouffret has been Halifax’s go-to-man ever since joining the club back in 2022 and is now just 16 points off from 1,000 for his career. Despite it feeling like the French half has been around forever he is still only 29-years-old and pulling the strings for the current table toppers.
THE STATS
Halifax have won their last six home meetings with London Broncos.
The capital sides' last victory at The Shay was 41-22 on 24 July, 2016.
Last ten meetings:
London Broncos 26, Halifax 12 (ChR22, 20/8/23)
London Broncos 6, Halifax 10 (1895C-SF, 22/7/23)
(at The Rock, Roehampton)
Halifax 26, London Broncos 18 (ChR3, 19/2/23)
London Broncos 38, Halifax 10 (ChR20, 24/7/22)
Halifax 28, London Broncos 0 (ChR2, 6/2/22)
Halifax 47, London Broncos 14 (ChR1, 2/4/21)
Halifax 24, London Broncos 16 (CCR5, 11/4/19)
London Broncos 23, Halifax 16 (S8Q-R7, 29/9/18)
(at Trailfinders Sports Ground, Ealing)
London Broncos 20, Halifax 18 (ChR21, 15/7/18)
(at Trailfinders Sports Ground, Ealing)
Halifax 26, London Broncos 16 (ChR10, 8/4/18)
BEN CROOKS needs one appearance to reach 250 for his career.
- 31 for Halifax Panthers (2023-2025)
- 8 for Keighley Cougars (2023)
- 80 for Hull KR (2018-2022)
- 48 for Leigh Centurions (2017-2018)
- 28 for Castleford Tigers (2016)
- 51 for Hull FC (2012-2014)
- 3 for Doncaster (2014, dual-registration)
LOUIS JOUFFRET needs 16 points to reach 1,000 for his career.
- 587 for Halifax Panthers (2022-2025)
- 226 for Whitehaven (2015-2016, 2021)
- 8 for Featherstone Rovers (2020)
- 151 for Batley Bulldogs (2018-2019)
- 8 for Toulouse Olympique (2017)
- 4 for France (2023-2024)
ALEX WALKER needs two tries to reach 100 for his career.
- 81 for London Broncos (2014-2019, 2022-2025)
- 7 for Featherstone Rovers (2021, loan)
- 2 for Wakefield Trinity (2020-2021)
- 6 for London Skolars (2016, dual-registration)
- 2 for Scotland (2015, 2017, 2019, 2021-2022)
(0 for Hemel Stags, 2016, loan)
LAST WIN AT THE SHAY
It has been a little while since the last time London Broncos tasted victory at The Shay. In fact you have to go back to 2016 when Broncos won 22-41 and you can watch the highlights from that game below.
HALF-PRICE ADULT TICKETS! London Broncos are offering half-price adult tickets for the upcoming home game against York Knights on May 3rd (5pm KO). To access this offer simply click the pop-up icon on the REEL below. #WeAreLondon
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Halifax Panthers vs London Broncos Mike Eccles has selected a 19-man squad for the Round 8 Championship tie at Halifax Panthers on Sunday. Louix Gorman remains with the group after joining from Hull KR last week meanwhile Emmanuel Waine who has rejoined on loan from Bradford Bulls also comes straight into the squad. Aaron Small also rejoins the squad after being unavailable last week. Dropping out this week is Jenson Binks (HIA) and Sam Winney (jaw). #WeAreLondon
EMMANUEL WAINE JOINS ON LOAN London Broncos can confirm Emmanuel Waine has joined the club on a two week loan from Bradford Bulls. The 28-year-old is no stranger to these parts having played for the Broncos in 2023 and 2024 as part of the side that won promotion from the Championship. Waine departed for Bradford at the end of the 2024 season but now rejoins Mike Eccles side on loan and is available for the upcoming games against Halifax Panthers and York Knights. #WeAreLondon
LUKE POLSELLI MATCH PREVIEW London Broncos take on the league leaders Halifax on Sunday looking to win at The Shay for the first time since 2016. Luke Polselli is set to play once again as he looks to build on his own good form since joining the club in the off-season. The Italian international has been playing in the halves this season showing his versatility and even moved into full-back against Barrow. To watch the full pre-match preview click the link below.
MATCH SPONSOR: Resilient Roofing to sponsor York game London Broncos are delighted to announce Resilient Roofing will be our match sponsors for the upcoming home game with York Knights at The Cherry Red Records Stadium. To find out more about Resilient Roofing - CLICK THIS LINK! Thank you for your support and we hope you enjoy your afternoon with us! We would also like to take this opportunity to remind supporters of the exclusive offer from Resilient Roofing. As one of the club’s Sponsor, Resilient Roofing & Property Maintenance Ltd have kindly offered exclusive discount for all 2025 London Broncos membership and season ticket holders on *any roofing work: - 10% off for 40/20 Membership Holders - 20% off for Season Ticket Holders *Orders must match the name associated with membership or season ticket If you are interested in sponsoring a game with us follow the button below. #WeAreLondon
Dave Williams in the ‘Legends Lounge’ London Broncos are delighted to welcome Dave Williams into the ‘Legends Lounge’ for our upcoming home game against York Knights on Saturday, May 3rd. The former prop is a London Rugby League legend after progressing through the then Harlequins RL academy into the first team before playing for both London Skolars and London Broncos.
Narrow losses in the later stages of the competition for Langley Park, Dorothy Stringer and St James in great matches played in St Helens, Hull and Whitehaven.
MIKE ECCLES: “Things will get better this season.” London Broncos Director of Rugby & Performance Mike Eccles has assured fans that better things are on the horizon after a sticky period of form. It has been a tough run of results with three consecutive results but also injuries and unavailability of dual-registration players has meant Mike Eccles has been operating with the bare minimum in terms of players available for selection. The run doesn’t get any easier as this weekend Broncos are on the road again but this time to the league leaders Halifax Panthers on Sunday.
GAMEWEEK: Halifax Panthers vs London Broncos We move into the Round 8 of the Championship season on Sunday as we make the trip to Halifax. Kyle Eastmond's side are flying at the top of the division with 12 points from the opening 7 games although they did lose last time out to Bradford Bulls. The Broncos are on a run of 3 consecutive defeats and will be looking to bounce back on Sunday and aim for a first win in Halifax since 2016. Tickets for the game are still available - BUY HERE!
CLUB SHOP OPEN!! London Broncos are excited to announce that the Paladin online club shop is now fully stocked with items available to order right now. You can now order the 2025 home and away shirts, plus a selected number of items from the training range including hoodies, beanies and bags. You can order online from the link below or visit the club shop on matchday's.
