FEATURE: The Importance of Being London
Jake Watson • 22 July 2025
FEATURE: The Importance of Being London
Sunday’s victory at Sheffield was an important and impressive one but the reminder, if one was needed, of how important London Broncos are in the professional world of Rugby League was powerful.
Lots of the attention was on Lewis Bienek as he made his 100th appearance for the club, becoming only the 51st player to do that in the club's history. There can be little doubt he is one of the best props in the division;
“We are incredibly lucky to have Lewis, he is a Super League player, all day every day”, were the words of Head Coach Mike Eccles, a man who has witnessed Lewis’ progression from the academy through to Super League.
Lewis was always destined to play professional rugby, as a teenager who was already significantly larger than his peers, the offers from various clubs were plentiful. It was Danny Ward, now assistant coach at Hull KR, who saw the potential and insisted the club did all they could to sign him. It wasn’t long before his first-team debut would come around and aged just 18 he would make his first team debut against Batley at the end of the 2016 season. After just 22 first team games Lewis had several offers from Super League clubs all vying for one of the biggest talents in the game. It was Hull FC who won the race for his signature. However, after two seasons in East Yorkshire and one at Castleford it was time for Lewis to return home.
Following the conclusion of the 2024 season and the departure of David Hughes there was huge amounts of uncertainty surrounding the club’s future. At one point, would it even exist? During the off-season there were just three contracted players. One of those was Lewis Bienek. He was coming off the back of an impressive season in Super League but was determined to stay in London. Had the club not been able to carry on Bienek said he would have considered retirement.
Thankfully the worst case scenarios were avoided and Lewis has now reached that landmark appearance and once again reiterated his full commitment to the club and what it has provided for him;
“I’ve come through the system as a young lad and this is why I started playing Rugby League and the club has given me everything in building me up.
“I went away for a bit but the last four years have been incredible. We have won some really big games and been promoted to Super League.
“To get to 100 appearances is a really big achievement for me. I’m really pleased to do it at this club.
“You look at those lads (Alex Walker & Will Lovell) and you try to follow in their footsteps of being top blokes for this club and I’m keen to carry that on and play as long as I can at London.
“I have no intention of playing anywhere else. I’m happy here and I want to keep cracking out some milestones!”
Lewis was not the only London success story achieving a big life moment on Sunday as Tommy Porter became the 737th player to represent the club and the 4th academy debutant this season.
Tommy joined the Broncos academy as a 14-year-old and progressed through to scholarship and was on track to become the latest talent to make his way into the first-team. However, Porter decided to take his University degree to Manchester where he would study for the next three years whilst being able to still play the game up north. He would sign with the likes of Rochdale Hornets, Leigh Leopards and Swinton Lions.
But the desire to move back “home” to London was too strong and Porter had unfinished business with the Broncos.
“Having come through the scholarship and academy at Broncos I’m delighted that I get to have a shot at first team rugby here. This club means a lot to me having spent 4 years here previously.” said Porter upon returning to London.
“Truthfully without the club I don’t think I would be playing Rugby League today. I’m excited to give my all to make this club as successful as possible, on and off the pitch.”
After three years away and just a handful of training sessions with the group Porter was thrust straight into the action. The hooker seamlessly slotted in, putting in an impressive 50 minute stint which was capped off with a debut try against Sheffield Eagles.
The story of Porter is very similar to that of Ben Hursery-Hord - a young player who returned to the club this season after also progressing through the academy before moving to Leeds to complete university. During his time up north he would play for Leeds Rhinos and Halifax Panthers but upon completion of his studies he also wanted to return to London.
The 22-year-old first joined the Broncos system as a 17-year-old from Kent based club Invicta Panthers - the same team which produced Oli & Bill Leyland. They join Bienek & Rob Butler as Kent born players to play for the first-team. Further highlighting the importance of taking games to Ebbsfleet to inspire the next generation from that region to play Rugby League!
Of course we must also mention the players at the other end of their careers, Will Lovell and Alex Walker. Two players that are undoubtedly club legends and now on the cusp of cementing their legacies.
The all-time record for appearances is held by Aussie-born American international Steele Retchless on 202. Closely followed by Cumbrian Rob Purdham and Australian Chad Randall jointly on 197. 32-year-old Lovell is now on 192 and, as long as he remains fit, will move into 2nd position on Saturday 30th August vs Batley Bulldogs and then the final league game of the season will be appearance number 200. Walker, aged 29, is just three appearances behind and recently scored his 100th career try. To have two London produced players at one and two of the all-time appearances for the club would be a sight to behold. A testament to the pair for incredible loyalty and longevity but also to the club for discovering and nurturing such talented players and providing the platform it has.
We are on the brink of the first Ashes series in 22 years and you will likely see Kai Pearce-Paul & Mike McMeeken take to the field. Not only a proud moment for the individuals to represent their country on the biggest stage but a proud moment for London Broncos. Two players that likely would have been lost to Rugby Union had it not been for the very existence of London Broncos.
So as we celebrate the individual achievements of Bienek, Porter, Lovell, Walker etc lets take a moment to remember ‘The Importance of Being London’.
#WeAreLondon
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HIGHLIGHTS: Sheffield Eagles 6-48 London Broncos You can now watch back extended highlights as London Broncos ran riot in the second-half against Sheffield Eagles to register an important Championship win. Luke Polselli would score a hat-trick and Lewis Bienek mark his 100th Broncos game with a try. Watch the full highlights and get your tickets for the remaining home games this season below.
POST-MATCH REACTION: Lewis Bienek reacts to Sheffield victory Lewis Bienek marked his 100th London Broncos appearance in spectacular fashion as he helped the team on its way to a big win against Sheffield Eagles. The 27-year-old prop scored the second try of the afternoon and was, as Mike Eccles described, "untackleable at times". Watch the full interview with Lewis below as he tells London Broncos media "there is no place other than here he wants to play."
POST-MATCH REACTION: Mike Eccles following big Sheffield win London Broncos head coach praised a "mature performance" after his side bounced back from disappointment last week to win big against Sheffield Eagles. The Broncos ran in 8 tries with Luke Polselli scoring a hat-trick and Lewis Bienek marking his 100th appearance with a try and an eye catching display. Watch the full post-match interview with Mike below and get your tickets for the remaining home games at the bottom of this article.
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Lewis Bienek reaches century of Broncos appearances Lewis Bienek will celebrate making his 100th London Broncos appearance in the Championship fixture against Sheffield Eagles at Olympic Legacy Park.
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