MATCH PREVIEW: London Broncos vs Warrington Wolves

London Broncos head into Round 5 of the 2024 Super League season with a home tie against Warrington Wolves at The Cherry Red Records Stadium.

Mike Eccles’ side have received somewhat of a baptism of fire on their return to Super League rugby facing the former World Club Champions in St Helens, last years runners up Catalans Dragons and the current World Club Champions Wigan Warriors in their opening games. In the most recent game at home against Wigan, the Broncos looked dangerous and were within a converted try of the champions (16-22) after 50 minutes however a sin-bin to Rob Butler saw the visitors take full advantage of the extra man and ran in four tries during that period. 

For the visitors this weekend Warrington Wolves they have enjoyed an impressive start to life under new head coach Sam Burgess and currently sit in 4th place but level on points at the top after three wins from their opening 4 games. The most recent a narrow two point win at Hull KR which came after home wins against Hull FC & Castleford Tigers.

Speaking ahead of the weekend’s game London Broncos Assistant Coach Jordie Hedges said;

“They’ve been really good, we’ve looked at them all week. They play a very Aussie style of rugby that Sam (Burgess) has brought over with him. They play, they don’t make many errors and they “d” really well.

“For us we just need to build a game and try and put ourselves in a game and build a bit of fatigue on them and hopefully they make some errors and we pounce on them.”

Alex Walker made his return to the matchday squad against Wigan after an injury lay-off and will be competing with Oli Leyland for the full-back position after stepping in for the first four games.

Walker told London Broncos official website;

“The body is good, it got through the last 25 minutes OK so raring to go and ready to rip in and see how I can help the team at the weekend.

“It’s very frustrating, any sort of niggle or long term injury is always annoying but you’ve just got to make sure you’re body is right so I can help the team out as much as possible now.”

Some key stats ahead of the game;

Super League summary (including Harlequins, 2006-2011)

London Broncos won 17

Warrington won 26

London Broncos highest score: 62-18 (H, 2012) (Widest margin: 60-8, H, 2009)

Warrington highest score: 82-6 (H, 2011); 82-10 (A, 2013) (Widest margin: 82-6, H, 2011)

ILIESS MACANI needs one try to reach 100 for his career.

            - 62 for London Broncos (2013-2016, 2022-2024)

            - 19 for London Skolars (2014, loan, 2018-2021)

            - 8 for Sheffield Eagles (2018)

            - 10 for Bradford Bulls (2017)