Betfred Super League Round 10: Leeds Rhinos vs London Broncos match report

James Booth • 4 May 2024

Despite what appeared to be an improved visual display from the Broncos yesterday evening, a series of mistakes including 51 missed tackles eventually led to their downfall once more. On a positive note, Ethan Natoli secured his first Super League appearance AND Super League try- congratulations Ethan!

The first half began with Oli Leyland kicking from left to right and it would be fair to suggest that every Broncos fan would have had that sinking feelings in their stomach once more from the get-go as Leeds manage to make an excellent break and force themselves 35m down the pitch on their first play of the game. This was then followed up in the 2nd minute with a Brodie Croft try, given away far too easy as Kennedy and Stock switch off and allow Leeds’ playmaker to burst through a gap which should never have been presented to score the Rhino’s first try of the game.

 

However, as seems to be a frequent occurrence this season, London manage to find their feet after conceding early on. Some good back and forth play, including another Alex Walker last man tackle to deny Croft for his second as well as some big powerful running from Butler & Stock saw the match hang in the balance.

 

The first play which the Broncos gave to Leeds since their early try came in the 11th minute where Robbie Storey caught a Leeds’ pass in a well offside position, gifting the home side a penalty in the Broncos half. After some good defending of the line by the Broncos, including two turnovers on the try-line and a fantastic kick by Oli Leyland to put the Broncos in good field position, more missed tackles by Sam Davis & Jacob Jones saw Croft run the length of the field and offload to Handley who scores the try uncontested and just like that, the Broncos found themselves 12-0 down in 15 minutes.

 

Once more, despite the two scores, London carried on fighting hard. Some slick hands by the Broncos saw Miloudi’s offload come off a Leeds hand out of bounds, giving London a repeat set of six in Rhino’s territory and an excellent Kershaw recovery from a Leed’s mistake saw London take the front foot for a good period of time and this came to fruition when Ethan Natoli scored his excellent first Super League try in the 26th minute. A lovely ball from Leyland to Walker who then makes a simple pass to Natoli who fends off Croft and runs 15m to slide into the Rhino’s try line.

 

Furthermore, it would be fair to say that another feature of the Broncos play this season has been that once they have gotten themselves into the game with a try, they often make a mistake and allow the opposition team to immediately respond. Tonight was no different.

 

After some good defending from the Broncos to deny Leeds an immediate response, Robbie Storey knocks the ball on 5m outside of the Broncos try line only 3 minutes after Natoli scored his try and of course, you cannot give an opportunity like this away against any Super League team but particularly a Leeds Rhinos team which has lost their last 4 games straight at home. As can be imagined, Leeds scored their third try of the night in the 32nd minute after McDonnell grounds a chip through the Broncos defence and then another big 40m break by Leeds saw the home side score their 4th try of the half, this time by Louis Roberts.

 

Half-time: Leeds Rhinos 22 London Broncos 4

 

Coming out into the second half, the Broncos would have been hoping that they could settle into this half better than they had the first. However, this was not the case as, in the 41st minute, Mickael Goudemand scored the Rhino’s fifth try of the afternoon and then more missed tackles allowed Jack Sinfield to score his try for the night, making the score 32-4 to the Rhinos only 46 minutes into the game.

 

From this point, the Broncos had a ten-minute spell where they looked more threatening going forward than they had at any part of the game but mistakes cost them once more. In the fifty second minute, James Meadows produced a great, line breaking pass to Rob Butler who had 25m of clear grass ahead of him but when it came time to make the pass back to Meadows, it was spilt forward and Leeds’ regained possession.

 

London’s second try of the night came in the 54th minute when Leyland’s cross field kick was knocked backwards by Kershaw and picked up by Kennedy and, after some quick hands, Walker produces one of the offloads of the season to Robbie Storey who grounds the ball and scores a brilliant try.

 

Walker’s excellent performance then continued into the 62nd minute when he chased a high kick from Tison and then took the ball out of Miller’s hands, placing the Broncos in more dangerous field position. But, once again, the attempted offload was dropped and a knock on was given in favour of the Rhino’s.

 

Off of this scrum, Rob Butler puts in a high shot on Sangare, putting Leeds in dangerous field position but London manages to stand strong defensively as Storey sees Handley off the pitch 3m outside of the Broncos try line, giving the ball back to London. Once again though, another London mistake costs them an opportunity to score as Meadows decides to pass the ball to Davis who is running into traffic rather than take the ball out wide into the space and Davis’ can’t keep hold of the ball as the contact is made, gifting Leeds the ball back once more.

 

Leeds got their 8th and final try of the afternoon in the 69th minute as Justin Sangare burst through the Broncos defensive line to score his first try of the Super League season.

 

Two minutes later, in the 71st minute, London win a penalty after some off camera shenanigans between Miloudi and a couple of the Rhinos’ players and this seemed to be give London some life to finish the game.

 

The Broncos had some very good spells of play in the final 10 minutes, the first of which came in the 75th minute where London put together some great metres after putting the ball through the hands as effectively as they have all season but Leyland’s crossfield kick to Miloudi took the wrong bounce and went out of play, otherwise it may well have been time for London’s third try of the afternoon. Moreover, to finish the game, London put together one of the best drives that they had done all game but were unable to score due to the chip through going dead to finish the game.

 

Full Time- Leeds Rhinos 46- London Broncos 8

 

Penalties: 2-2

Half-time: 22-4

Full- time: 46-8

Attendance: 13,259

Referee: Aaron Moore

 

Leeds Rhinos

1) Lachie Miller, 5) Ash Handley, 24) Luis Roberts, 12) Rhyse Martin, 33) Riley Lumb, 6) Brodie Croft, 21) Jack Sinfield, 17) Justin Sangare, 14) Jarrod O’Connor, 8) Mikolaj Oledzki, 16) James McDonnell, 18) Mickael Goudemand, 13) Cameron Smith.

Interchanges: 15) Sam Lisone, 23) Leon Ruan, 29) Alfie Edgell, 9) Andy Ackers.

Try’s: Brodie Croft (2) Ash Handley (15) McDonnell (32) Luis Roberts (38) Mickael Goudemand (41) Jack Sinfield (46) Sam Lisone (58) Justin Sangare (69)

Conversions: Rhys Martin 7/8

Sin-bins: N/A

 

London Broncos

1) Alex Walker, 2) Lee Kershaw, 21) Robbie Storey, 3) Jarred Bassett, 4) Hakim Miloudi, 20) Oli Leyland, 34) Ugo Tison, 19) Rhys Kennedy, 9) Sam Davis, 17) Sadiq Adebiyi, 11) Will Lovell ©, 29) Jacob Jones, 15) Marcus Stock.

Interchanges: 33) Harvey Makin, 7) James Meadows, 12) Ethan Natoli, 8) Rob Butler.

Try’s: Ethan Natoli (26) Robbie Storey (54)

Conversions: Oli Leyland 0/2

Sin-bins: N/A


by Jake Watson 17 October 2025
London Broncos Commit to Continued Growth and Future Super League Ambitions The London Broncos acknowledge the Rugby Football League’s (‘RFL’) decision following its competition structure review process. The Club will continue its journey in the Betfred Championship (‘Championship’) for the 2026 season. Although the Broncos have not been selected for promotion to the Betfred Super League (‘Super League’), the Club remains confident in its vision and long-term ambitions, with the review process only strengthening our commitment to once more reaching the top level of the English game. Supported by new investment, a refreshed leadership group, and guidance from leading sports and rugby league consultants, the Broncos are delivering a clear plan for long-term success on and off the pitch.
by Jake Watson 16 October 2025
IMG GRADING 2026 London Broncos can announce the Club has received a score of 11.65 for the upcoming season which sees us move to 16th in the gradings. Hull KR’s historic on-field success in the 2025 season has lifted them to the top of the Club Grading rankings produced by the RFL and IMG to measure and drive the development of the sport. The Robins, who won their first Betfred Super League title at Old Trafford on Saturday night to follow their Wembley triumph in the Challenge Cup Final in June, become the third different club to lead the way in as many years since indicative gradings were first published in 2023 - with Leeds Rhinos and St Helens, who were top in 2023 and 2024 respectively, now second and third. Hull KR’s total score of 17.85 out of a maximum 20 across the five grading pillars – Fandom, Finance, Stadium, Community and On-Field Performance (*see below for full details) – is the highest achieved by any club over the last three years, boosted by 0.75 points for their Grand Final triumph, and 0.25 for their Challenge Cup win. They were sixth in the original indicative rankings in 2023 with a score of 15.52, climbing to fifth last year with 15.97. Nine of the 12 Betfred Super League clubs have passed the threshold of 15 points required for an A Grade – the same number as in 2024. Wigan Warriors, who finished second in the Super League table and reached their third consecutive Grand Final, are fourth in the rankings, with Leigh Leopards climbing two places to fifth. Warrington Wolves, Catalans Dragons and Wakefield Trinity all retain their A grading in sixth, seventh and eighth respectively, and Hull FC regain Grade A status and climb from 10 th to ninth after lifting their overall grading score from 14.51 to 15.06. Bradford Bulls are the highest-ranked of 15 clubs who earn a B Grade, climbing from 16 th in the 2024 table to 10 th by lifting their score from 12.15 to 14.81 – and making them comfortably the highest-ranked club from outside the current Betfred Super League. They are followed by Castleford Tigers (14.66) and Huddersfield Giants (14.65) – with those three B-graded clubs joining the nine Grade As in the 12 who secure automatic places in the 2026 Super League. Following a decision by the existing Super League clubs to prioritise expansion of the competition, a Panel has been considering the possibility of admitting two additional clubs for 2026 – with their decision to be announced on Friday morning. Those clubs who do not secure Super League places will play in an expanded Betfred Championship in 2026, following a recent decision to merge the Championship with Betfred League One. Batley Bulldogs and Whitehaven, the two clubs who were not graded in 2024 because of delays in their submissions, come into the table in 21 st and 29 th respectively – Batley graded B with a score of 8.16, and Whitehaven one of nine clubs who receive a Grade C with a score of 6.23. Keighley Cougars and Newcastle Thunder have not been given a score having failed to meet the deadline for submitting the necessary information, although as in the cases of Batley and Whitehaven last year, the RFL will work with those clubs to assess what their score and ranking would have been should it be relevant in terms of their share of central distributions. Salford Red Devils have slipped from 12 th with a score of 13.97 to 15 th with a score of 12.65, with their Finance score reflecting information submitted for the 2022-24 seasons – and not including the 2025 season. They have had 0.25 points deducted from their score as a result of the deduction of two competition points for breaching operational rules in their team selection for the Round One fixture at St Helens in February. Salford are one of three clubs, with Featherstone Rovers and Halifax Panthers of the Betfred Championship, who are the subject of HMRC petitions, which could affect their Finance score for 2026 should the petitions be confirmed. Full details of the five pillars are published in the 2025 Club Grading Handbook Rugby League Grading Handbook_2025FINAL.pdf Ends…
by Jake Watson 14 October 2025
UPCOMING FAN EVENTS! London Broncos Fan Group invite you to join them on Saturday 18 th October at 7.30pm at Belushi’s Sports bar in London Bridge. The Group have secured a bar within the venue called The Dugout with and live music. The event is completely free of charge and everyone is warmly invited to attend to engage with other London Broncos fans as a social event. Their programme of events for the remainder of the year are as follows: Welcome Party - Saturday 18 th October 7.30pm 2 nd Ashes Test – Saturday 1 st November 2pm 3 rd Ashes Test – Saturday 8 th November 2pm Broncos Christmas Party – Saturday 6 th December 7.30pm Please note Saturday is a FREE event and no tickets are required. #WeAreLondon
by Rick Jones 9 October 2025
Darren & Adam Hills to present the Community Club Awards: BOOK YOUR PLACE TODAY!
by Jake Watson 9 October 2025
London Broncos add Tongan international Siliva Havili to 2026 squad The London Broncos are pleased to confirm the signing of Siliva Havili, a versatile forward and seasoned international with Tonga, as preparations continue for the Club’s proposed return to the Betfred Super League in 2026. Havili, who has enjoyed a decorated NRL career with South Sydney Rabbitohs and Canberra Raiders, adds toughness, utility value, and leadership to the Broncos’ roster. Renowned for his uncompromising style of play and his ability to slot seamlessly into both hooker and lock, Havili has represented Tonga at the highest level and played in some of Rugby League’s fiercest contests. The Broncos’ pursuit of Havili reflects a strategic approach to squad building: blending internationally-proven performers with returning members of the current squad to maintain cultural continuity. His signing represents another step forward in the Club’s wider plan to present London with a rugby league team of genuine calibre and ambition. “Siliva is the type of player who makes everyone around him better,” said Director of Rugby, Mike Eccles. “He’s a competitor, a leader, and he’s experienced success at international level. Adding someone of his quality to our environment is a huge statement of intent.” For London fans, the arrival of Havili is not just about one player. It highlights the momentum of a recruitment programme that aims to deliver Super League-quality rugby league to the capital, inspiring a new generation of supporters and re-establishing the Broncos as a destination club. #WeAreLondon
by Jake Watson 7 October 2025
London Broncos secure former Kangaroos international Reagan Campbell-Gillard for 2026 season The London Broncos are excited to announce the signing of Australian international prop Reagan Campbell-Gillard, one of the NRL’s most formidable forwards, ahead of a potential return to the Betfred Super League in 2026. Campbell-Gillard, who has starred for the Penrith Panthers, Parramatta Eels, Gold Coast Titans and represented both Australia and New South Wales in State of Origin, brings unmatched pedigree and presence to the Broncos pack. A World Cup winner and multiple-time international, he arrives in London with the experience, resilience, and professionalism required to lead from the front. His addition marks a significant milestone in the Broncos’ journey to assemble a squad that can compete with the very best in the Super League. While the Club awaits the outcome of its licence application, the recruitment of Campbell-Gillard is a clear demonstration of intent and ambition. It underscores the Broncos’ commitment to delivering a high-performance environment capable of inspiring supporters across the capital and competing with rugby league’s strongest clubs. Campbell-Gillard himself expressed his excitement about the challenge ahead: “London is an incredible city and the Broncos are a club with a proud history. The chance to help build something special here, at such an important moment for the game in the UK, was too good to turn down.” For fans, the arrival of a world-class prop signals not only the Club’s determination to succeed but also the broader momentum of rugby league in London. The Broncos are building a squad that blends international quality with home-grown talent, a combination designed to both deliver results on the field and reignite the passion of a diverse supporter base across the capital. #WeAreLondon
by Rick Jones 6 October 2025
Awards to be presented by Adam Hills on 23 Oct - Buy Your Ticket Today!
by Rick Jones 4 October 2025
Help them travel to Leeds to play Super League Clubs - PLEASE DONATE TODAY!
by Rick Jones 1 October 2025
All funds support Community Rugby League in London - join the lottery today!
by Jake Watson 29 September 2025
Betfred Championship Awards 2025 York Knights will dominate the awards for the 2025 Betfred Championship when they are presented at Rugby League’s Awards Night in Manchester next Tuesday (October 7) – two days after they host Toulouse Olympique in the Grand Final at the LNER Community Stadium. The Knights have already secured the League Leaders’ Shield and the AB Sundecks 1895 Cup, their first ever win at Wembley Stadium, in a 20-match winning run stretching back to April. Three of their players – their captain and half-back Liam Harris, the veteran hooker Paul McShane, and non-stop prop Jordan Thompson – form the shortlist for the 2025 Betfred Championship Player of the Year, following a poll of the head coaches of the competition’s 13 clubs. The coaches also voted almost unanimously that Mark Applegarth should be the 2025 Betfred Championship Coach of the Year. Jack Smith, a 20-year-old goalkicking three quarter who joined London Broncos on loan from Leeds Rhinos in May, breaks York’s monopoly with the Young Player of the Year award, again decided by a poll of coaches. The winner of the 2025 Betfred Championship Player of the Year Award will be announced at the Rugby League Awards Night on Tuesday October 7, when Mark Applegarth and Jack Smith will be presented with their awards. #WeAreLondon
More posts