Australia House Gallery
Jake Watson • 21 May 2025
AUSTRALIA HOUSE GALLERY
It was an historic day for Rugby League as Gary Hetherington announced his ownership of the club and plans to bring Super League back to London.
The Leeds Chief Executive will relinquish his role after 26 years at the Rhinos at the end of the season before moving his full focus to London.
For the full press release of the plans announced today CLICK HERE.
It was a room full of incredibly important figures in Rugby League and also within the Australian Embassy.
You can take a look through today's gallery for a full run down of today's guests.
#WeAreLondon
Left to right; Elizabeth Bowes Australian Deputy High Commissioner, Stephen Smith Australian High Commissioner, Gary Hetherington new London Broncos Owner and Catherine West MP Parliamentary Under Secretary of State Indo Pacific before the London Rugby League Launch at Australian Embassy Exhibition Hall, Australia House.
Stephen Smith Australian High Commissioner speaking during the London Rugby League Launch at Australian Embassy Exhibition Hall, Australia House
Gary Hetherington new London Broncos Owner speaking during the London Rugby League Launch at Australian Embassy Exhibition Hall, Australia House,
Catherine West MP Parliamentary Under Secretary of State Indo Pacific speaking during the London Rugby League Launch at Australian Embassy Exhibition Hall, Australia House
Delegates during the London Rugby League Launch at Australian Embassy Exhibition Hall, Australia House
Elizabeth Bowes Australian Deputy High Commissioner speaking during the London Rugby League Launch at Australian Embassy Exhibition Hall, Australia House
Left to right Rick Jones London Foundation, Mike Eccles Director of Rugby & Performance of London Broncos and Colin Baker Head Coach of London Broncos Women's Team during the London Rugby League Launch at Australian Embassy Exhibition Hall, Australia House
Jenna Brooks of Sky Sports speaking during the London Rugby League Launch at Australian Embassy Exhibition Hall, Australia House
Tony Sutton RFL CEO speaking during the London Rugby League Launch at Australian Embassy Exhibition Hall, Australia House
Brian Carney of Sky Sports speaking during the London Rugby League Launch at Australian Embassy Exhibition Hall, Australia House
Rhodri Jones RL Commercials speaking, Jenna Brooks of Sky Sports and Paul Lakin Hull KR CEO during the London Rugby League Launch at Australian Embassy Exhibition Hall, Australia House
INTERVIEW: Welcome back Ethan Natoli London Broncos welcomed back Ethan Natoli this week after rejoining the club following a spell in France with Pia. The Italian international spent two seasons in London, joining in 2023 helping the club to Championship glory before a full season in Super League in 2024. Firmly established as a fans favourite the 30-year-old's return has been received warmly by all involved in the Club. You can watch the full interview with Ethan on the link below. #WeAreLondon
London Broncos sign Connor Barley on loan London Broncos can announce Connor Barley has joined the club on a month long loan deal from Hull KR The 20-year-old winger or centre joins the squad this week and is available for selection for Sunday's trip to Doncaster. Barley made is Super League debut for The Robins in 2022 against St Helens and has gone on to play another three times scoring one try. In 2023 he would spend time on loan with York Knights and in 2024 he played 8 times for Featherstone Rovers on dual registration. #WeAreLondon
INTERVIEW: Gary Hetherington on new era at London Broncos Today (May 21st) Gary Hetherington announced a new era for Rugby League in London. Hetherington today hosted a media event at Australia House on The Strand in London, where he outlined plans to develop a new ownership group, launch a new brand for the 2026 season, and committed to reinstating the London Player Academy. He also said the club will remain based at AFC Wimbledon and confirmed a new partnership with international sports advisory firm Freshwater Strategy to revitalise the club. To find out more about the vision and plans watch the full interview below. #WeAreLondon
London Broncos announce new era for Rugby League in London Gary Hetherington has today presented a five-year plan to realise a new vision for Rugby League in London and the South-East of England. Hetherington today hosted a media event at Australia House on The Strand in London, where he outlined plans to develop a new ownership group, launch a new brand for the 2026 season, and committed to reinstating the London Player Academy. He also said the club will remain based at AFC Wimbledon and confirmed a new partnership with international sports advisory firm Freshwater Strategy to revitalise the club. “Rugby League is at a significant moment both nationally and globally, and London needs to be a part of that,” explained Hetherington whose career in Rugby League administration has spanned four decades beginning with the foundation of the Sheffield Eagles club and then since 1996 the revitalisation of the Leeds Rhinos. “Stephen Smith, Australia’s High-Commissioner to the United Kingdom, and his team recognise the importance of Rugby League in terms of our links to Australia and the wider South Pacific – and in a year when we will see the return of the Rugby League Ashes for the first time since 2003, with the First Test at Wembley on October 25, this is the perfect time to consider how best to maximise that potential.
THROWBACK HIGHLIGHTS: Dean Whare Two years ago today we completed the signing of Dean Whare for the remainder of the 2023 Championship season. The New Zealand international had enjoyed a stellar career playing for Manly and the Penrith Panthers for a number of years before joining Catalans Dragons. In just 13 London Broncos appearances, Whare would score 12 tries and rack up a number of try assists making a spectacular impact on the team on the way to promotion. What was your favourite Whare moment in a Broncos jersey? Watch his highlights on the video below. video credit: JBP Sports Edits. #WeAreLondon
ETHAN NATOLI REJOINS LONDON BRONCOS London Broncos are delighted to announce Ethan Natoli has rejoined the club on a deal until the end of the season. The Italian international was a hugely popular figure at the club in his two seasons prior to joining Pia in France’s top division.
Lifelong London Broncos supporter Cliff Dean passes away We are deeply saddened to notify supporters that lifelong fan Cliff Dean has sadly passed away. ‘Cliffie’ was known amongst all London Broncos supporters and his presence at the club will be sorely missed. His brother, Richard has sent the club the following message; “Cliff absolutely loved London Broncos and followed them near and far since the early days at Fulham, even including a trip to Australia to watch them in the World Club Challenge. “Please pass on our thanks to David Hughes and everyone at the club who have looked out for Cliff and made him feel a valued fan.” “Cliffie’, who regularly came along to training sessions to have a chat with members of staff, recently donated his proud collection of programmes which included some from the very early days of the club’s existence. Funeral details will be shared with supporters and Richard has asked for supporters to attend and to wear their favourite London Broncos shirt. His passing will be recognised with a tribute at the upcoming game against Widnes on the 31st. RIP CLIFFIE #WeAreLondon
UP NEXT: Doncaster RLFC vs London Broncos London Broncos head into Round 11 of the 2025 Championship season next with a trip up to South Yorkshire . After back-to-back home games we now head to Doncaster looking to return to winnings ways. The last league fixture between the two sides back in 2015 with the Broncos winning 30-4 at the old Keepmoat stadium before it was redeveloped. The last home game vs Doncaster was in the Challenge Cup at Rosslyn Park with Broncos running out comfortable winners 66-16. Tickets for the game must be purchased directly through the Doncaster website with a link - HERE!
Ebbsfleet and why we do it! We have had a number of requests as to why we have taken a little break from the Cherry Red Records Stadium during the season in the past 4 years and headed to the Kuflink Stadium in Ebbsfleet - so we're going to break it down for you! When sharing a stadium with a football team who play the bulk of their season during the winter, there is always going to be a level of complication when it comes to the football offseason and the condition of their pitch ahead of the next season. Therefore, for the couple of months which AFC Wimbledon need to take care of their pitch to make sure that it is in optimal condition ahead of the new season, we need a temporary new home to play our games, and this is where Ebbsfleet United FC comes in. Luckily, when searching for a temporary home in 2022 during our first year at Wimbledon we came across Ebbsfleet United & CEO Damian Irvine, an Australian who has previously been the chairman of NRL side Cronulla Sharks in addition to working with English Rugby League teams Bradford Bulls & Hunslet RLFC who was more than happy to establish a relationship with the Broncos to bring Rugby League to Kent.
NEXT HOME GAME!! London Broncos welcome Widnes Vikings to The Cherry Red Records Stadium on May 31st and tickets are now available to buy - HERE! Fans are encouraged to buy tickets for this game as you will have to wait until August 3rd for the next home fixture at The Cherry Red Records Stadium. Tickets for this game are priced at; Adults - £20 Concessions - £15 Kids - £5
