MATCH REPORT: London Broncos vs Bradford Bulls
Jake Watson • 7 September 2025
LONDON BRONCOS V BRADFORD BULLS (by David Ballheimer)
London Broncos (12) 24, Bradford Bulls (10) 34
London Broncos ended their 2025 home season with a defeat against Bradford Bulls, blown away by 40 minutes of power, strength and not a little skill. The Bulls, easily the physically biggest team the Broncos have faced this season, were completely outplayed for the first 35 minutes, when London might reasonably have hoped for a three- or four-try lead.
In the eighth minute, the Bulls made a handling error inside their 10 and their desperate defence went too far as they were penalised for a ball-strip two metres from their line. This time, the Broncos made Bradford pay, Luke Polselli taking a short Connor O’Beirne pass and running through a large hole in the defence. Jack Smith, as he would do after every try, added the extras.
Polselli figured frequently in attack, unfortunately knocking on five metres away from a second score, but then delivering a superb grubber kick that he almost reached, but Jayden Okunbor touched down moments before the London No.6. It led to a goal-line dropout which the Bulls were able to defend.
Quite how much Bradford were struggling was shown by head coach Brian Noble, who worked as a mentor with the Broncos player-head coach Andrew Henderson at The Hive in 2015, came down to pitch-side to deliver tactical and technical advice first-hand. In the 26th minute, London again applied pressure on the Bulls line and, from dummy half, Brandon Webster-Mansfield burrowed under the markers for London’s second score.
A third Broncos score before half-time might have put the game beyond Bradford’s reach. Instead, the Bulls made a key substitution, sending on the veteran Chris Hill. The prop, a winner of 41 international caps for England and Great Britain and almost 400 games in Super League, made it a personal crusade to offload every time he carried the ball.
The game’s turning point came with a 35th-minute penalty to Bradford just inside London’s half. A kick inside the 20 gave the Bulls all the territory they required, especially when they got a repeat set of tackles. After a couple of carry-ups, the ball was sent to the left where Guy Armitage, given his chance in rugby league by the Broncos, forced his way over.
After Luke Hooley’s conversion, the Broncos restart was a metre too long, giving the Bulls another penalty, this time on half-way. The touch-finder went out inside the London 10 and Bradford needed no second bidding to score again, this time it was Joe Keyes, a player given his chance in rugby league by the London Broncos, to scoot over. Hooley missed the conversion, his only failure of the afternoon. Leading up to the try Sadiq Adebiyi was injured and he missed the second half (adding to London’s woes, Ben Hursey-Hord left the game with a concussion early in the second period).
There was still time for another Bradford score, especially when they won another penalty just as the half-time hooter sounded. This time, however, a magnificent leaping reach by Alex Walker touched the ball. Instead of Bradford having one play to score again, the half was over because the restart would have been with a play-the-ball from a touch-finder instead of a tap from a penalty.
The second half saw Bradford take full control. George Taufua almost caught a Keyes chip, but couldn’t hold onto the ball, then Keyes drilled a 40–20 that went out inside the 10. Keyes himself finished off the possession with a mazy run through a broken defensive line. Three minutes later, the giant Waqa Blake crashed over from five metres out. From leading 12–0 after 35 minutes, the Broncos were now 22–12 behind after 52 minutes.
London’s first possession in the Bradford red zone ended with a Chris Hill interception – this was in the 58th minute. Eight minutes later, a London kick found touch, but Webster-Mansfield said something inappropriate to the referee and was invited to spend 10 minutes cooling his heels. Within 30 seconds, Armitage had run through the gap left by the absent centre to score his second try of the afternoon.
The 12 men hit back almost immediately. Bradford knocked on at the restart and the Broncos used the short field to their advantage, Liam Tindall going over in the left corner. Hopes of a miracle comeback were soon dashed as another Armitage break saw him have three players in support and Hooley took the ball behind the posts. After the conversion, Webster-Mansfield returned to the field.
There was still time for on more London try, again in the left corner, scored by Tindall, and once more magnificently improved by Smith.
London Broncos: 1 Alex Walker, 33 Jack Smith, 3 Ethan Natoli, 4 Brandon Webster-Mansfield, 5 Liam Tindall, 6 Luke Polselli, 7 Connor O’Beirne, 10 Lewis Bienik, 9 Curtis Davies, 14 Kobe Rugless, 11 Will Lovell, 12 Sadiq Adebiyi, 13 Marcus Stock. Replacements: 17 Jenson Monk, 18 Ben Hursey-Hord, 30 Ted Davidson, 34 Tommy Porter. 18th man: 22 Matt Ross.
Tries: Polselli 9, Webster-Mansfield 26, Tindall 70, 77
Goals: Smith 4/4
Sin bin: Webster-Mansfield, 66, dissent
Bradford Bulls: 26 Luke Hooley, 37 Jayden Okunbor, 3 Waqa Blake, 5 Guy Armitage, 23 Jorge Taufua, 1 Tom Holmes, 7 Joe Keyes, 8 Michael Lawrence, 9 Jordan Lilley, 15 Logan Bayliss, 11 Zac Fulton, 25 Bayley Liu, 20 Ronan Michael. Replacements: 10 Ebon Scurr, 14 Mitch Souter, 34 Chris Hill, 35 Zane Musgrove. 18th man Sam Hallas:
Tries: Armitage 36, 67, Keyes 39, 48, Blake 51, Hooley 74
Goals: Hooley 5/6
Sin bin: None
Referee: Marcus Griffiths
HT: 12–10
Penalty awarded count: 5–7
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
London, Midlands and East Men's Teams will face off at Brentwood Eels on 28 Sep!
The South win both U14 & U16 Series 2-0 in outstanding display of rugby league!
London Broncos appoint Jason Demetriou as Head Coach The London Broncos are pleased to officially announce the appointment of Jason Demetriou as our Men’s team Head Coach, bringing significant NRL coaching expertise and a clear vision to the Club’s preparations for the 2026 season. Demetriou joins the Club on a three-year deal commencing in 2026. Demetriou, most recently Head Coach of South Sydney Rabbitohs, is widely regarded for his ability to develop elite talent and build high-performing squads. His coaching philosophy emphasises professionalism, resilience, and attacking rugby league — qualities that will resonate strongly with Broncos players and supporters alike. The appointment comes at a pivotal moment for the Club. While awaiting confirmation of its Super League return, the Broncos have set about establishing a coaching and performance structure that would stand shoulder-to-shoulder with any top-flight organisation. “London has incredible potential as a rugby league city,” Demetriou commented. “The Club’s ambition and the opportunity to help shape its future at this important stage made this an exciting challenge. I can’t wait to get started.” For London, the appointment is more than a change of coach. It is a sign of the Broncos’ intent to rekindle enthusiasm across the capital, bring elite rugby league to a wider audience, and establish a team capable of thriving in Super League. #WeAreLondon
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!
POST-MATCH REACTION: Broncos sign off 2025 with win London Broncos rounded up the season with an impressive win away at Widnes Vikings. Both Mike Eccles and Will Lovell have been fantastic club servants but will have different roles at the club next season under the proposed new ownership. We spoke to both following yesterday conclusion to the year. #WeAreLondon
TEAM NEWS: Widnes Vikings vs London Broncos Here is your starting line up for this afternoon’s final league game of the season away at Widnes Vikings. Jensen Monk comes in to start at prop as Adebiyi and Hursey-Hord drop out of the squad following injuries last weekend. Rob Oakley is in the matchday squad and is joined on the interchanges with Rugless, Porter and Ross. Today Lewis Bienek makes his 150th appearance and Will Lovell his 250th - and also his 198th for the club moving him into 2nd all time. #WeAreLondon
The Best of North London vs the Best of South London do battle in Brentwood
