MATCH REPORT: London Broncos 14-12 Featherstone Rovers
Jake Watson • 23 February 2025
MATCH REPORT: London Broncos 14-12 Featherstone Rovers
London Broncos started their 2025 home campaign with two points after an outstanding defensive display against one of the top sides in the division.
Like Bradford Bulls, who Broncos faced in gameweek one, Featherstone are fancied to challenge at the top end of the Championship this season so was always going to provide a stern test for Mike Eccles side.
Despite failing to pick up the win against the Bulls there would have been huge positivity taken from the performance that would give fans a degree of expectancy this afternoon which perhaps wasn’t there when the fixtures were announced.
That expectancy took an almost immediate knock as Broncos spilled the ball from the kick-off and Featherstone instantly had a set in front of the Broncos try line. It was an unfortunate start to say the least as Thomas Lacans wriggled over to give the visitors the lead after no more than a couple of minutes. Callum Turner added the extras and it was 0-6.
How Broncos would react to that knock back would be telling as the group are still so green in their development. But as is typical with a team coached under Mike Eccles they would stand firm and the game would begin to settle. Rovers would have the majority of the ball but Broncos were strong in defence and looked dangerous when given the opportunity to attack.
Liam Tindall signed permanently during the week and admitted in the post-match press conference he is still learning his teammates names! However, he was more familiar with where the tryline was. The ball swept across to the left-hand side as Tindall collected the ball around 10 metres out and he escaped the attention of the two tackles to get the ball down. Hellec’s conversion was from the touchline and was unsuccessful. 4-6 Rovers.
That try gave the Broncos a huge lift and the ascendancy was now fully with the home side. A Walker kick was lofted high and Huw Worthington did brilliantly to collect before offloading to Davies who passed to O’Beirne. The counter attack was swift and decisive as O’Beirne looped a pass over a head to Tindall who raced away to score twice in three minutes. Hellec’s kick was in an identical position and in challenging conditions it unsurprisingly went wide. Broncos 8-6.
For the second time in a row the Broncos would lead at the break. Not just a physical test for next 40 minutes but also psychological to stay in front,
The following 40 took a similar pattern with Featherstone dominating field position and possession without being able to break a staunch Broncos defence. As time went on you got the feeling that Featherstone were running out of ideas as to getting over the line.
That changed in the 70th minute as the opportunity was giftwrapped to the visitors as Broncos looked to score from a rare good ball set a loose pass from O’Beirne was intercepted by Carlos Tuimavave who ran 80 minutes to score under the posts. Rovers now in front and impending heartbreak once again, perhaps. 8-12 Rovers.
Now with it all to do the Broncos began to push for that score, which perhaps they hadn’t had the incentive to do prior to that Tuimavave score. They looked dangerous and Bienek came charging through and as he went past once tackle you almost expected the big prop to go flying over the line but he was somehow stopped a yard short.
But with three minutes remaining Tayor Kerr would cap a brilliant personal performance and score the try. The youngster on loan from Wigan had only had two training sessions with his new teammates but has clearly settled very well as he linked up play from hooker or loose throughout the course of his time on the pitch. He picked up and darted for the line from dummy half and Hellec held his nerve to add the extras and seal the win. Broncos 14-12.
BRONCOS: Walker, Thewlis, Small, Hellec, Tindall, Polselli, O’Beirne, McDermott, Davies, Bienek, Lovell, Adebiyi, Stock. INTERCHANGES: Monk, Worthington, Mason & Kerr
Tries: Tindall x2, Kerr
Conversions: Hellec 1/3
Mike Eccles appointed Director of Rugby to lead London Broncos’ football strategy The London Broncos are proud to announce that Mike Eccles has been appointed as Director of Rugby, formalising his leadership role as the Club continues to build towards a potential Super League return in 2026. Eccles is a familiar name to Broncos fans, having originally served as Head of High Performance before stepping into the Head Coach role in 2022, where he guided the team through one of its most remarkable chapters - promotion back to the Super League. His vision, resilience, and leadership during that period cemented his status as one of the most respected figures in the Club’s modern history. In this new position, Eccles will oversee all football operations, player performance, and development pathways, ensuring that the Broncos maintain the highest possible standards both on and off the field. His appointment reflects the Club’s ambition to professionalise its structures, creating a system that nurtures players, fosters excellence, and delivers a sustainable competitive edge. “This role gives me the chance to ensure the Broncos’ football programme is as strong and forward-thinking as possible,” Eccles said. “London deserves a rugby league club that can compete at the top level, and everything we’re putting in place is designed to make that a reality.” For the sport more broadly, Eccles’ elevation underscores the Broncos’ determination to be not just participants, but genuine competitors, capable of reigniting rugby league in the nation’s capital and inspiring the next wave of talent from London and the South. #WeAreLondon
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The North looking to level the Series at Game 2 in Twickenham on Sunday!
London Broncos Announce Super League Ambitions and New Ownership London Broncos are excited to confirm that it has formally provided a comprehensive submission to the RFL’s Super League 2026 Application Process and Criteria. The comprehensive bid submission represents a clear vision for the future of the London Broncos and for the growth of the game in London. The submission is a detailed operational and financial plan for the Club to achieve financial sustainability and success both on and off the field. The London Broncos are proposing changes in governance at the Club, including a new ownership group which will consist of rugby league legend Darren Lockyer, successful businessman Grant Wechsel and Gary Hetherington. These changes will provide the Club with the capital, commitment, credibility and capability that are required to be a competitive force in the top-tier competition.
Will play Featherstone Rovers in London on 28 Sep for a place in Super League!
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