MATCH PREVIEW: Doncaster RLFC vs London Broncos
Jake Watson • 24 May 2025
MATCH PREVIEW: Doncaster RLFC vs London Broncos
London Broncos move into Round 11 of the Championship season on Sunday with a trip to Doncaster. It will be the first league meeting between the two sides in 10 years, despite a couple of friendly matches and cup games happening during that period.
Mike Eccles side come into this one off the back of five consecutive league defeats so a win is much needed and a win would see us potentially move up the table into a group of teams on six points.
This win comes off the back of an important week for the club as Gary Hetherington announced his ownership and his plan for the club to return to Super League.
THE SQUAD
Mike Eccles has named his squad to take on Doncaster in Round 11 of the Championship season.
We welcomed Ethan Natoli back to the Club this week and he is straight into the squad and has been handed the number 3 shirt. Meanwhile, Connor Barley has joined on a month loan from Hull KR and is also in the squad.
Connor O’Beirne drops back out after injuring his knee in the previous game against Sheffield Eagles at Rosslyn Park. A full update on his injury will be provided by Mike Eccles in his pre-match interview.
INTERVIEWS
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 below.
A wide-ranging interview with Mike Eccles following a big week for the club which has seen the announcement of Gary Hetherington's involvement with the club.
Also discussed is recruitment, the fitness of Lewis Bienek and Connor O'Beirne, the return of Ethan Natoli and finally the challenge of Doncaster on Sunday.
Watch the interview below and find a link for half-price tickets to the upcoming home game against Widnes Vikings (31st).
THE STATS
Last ten meetings:
London Broncos 66, Doncaster 16 (CCR4, 1/4/23)
(at The Rock, Roehampton)
London Broncos 52, Doncaster 12 (CSR1, 8/8/15)
(at The Hive, Barnet)
Doncaster 4, London Broncos 30 (ChR17, 14/6/15)
(at Castle Park)
London Broncos 26, Doncaster 22 (ChR1, 15/2/15)
(at The Hive, Barnet)
London Broncos 64, Doncaster 0 (CCR4, 14/2/99)
(at Twickenham Stoop)
Doncaster 6, London Crusaders 16 (SDP-SF, 15/5/94)
(at Tattersfield)
Doncaster 20, London Crusaders 10 (SD, 23/1/94)
(at Tattersfield)
London Crusaders 38, Doncaster 18 (SD, 10/9/93)
(at Barnet Copthall)
Fulham 6, Doncaster 12 (SD, 7/4/91)
(at National Sports Centre, Crystal Palace)
Doncaster 0, Fulham 4 (SD, 16/12/90)
(at Tattersfield)
SUAIA MATAGI needs one appearance to reach 250 for his career.
- 37 for Doncaster (2024-2025)
- 50 for Castleford Tigers (2021-2023)
- 1 for Halifax Panthers (2023, dual-registration)
- 50 for Huddersfield Giants (2018-2020)
- 35 for Parramatta Eels (2017-2018)
- 23 for Penrith Panthers (2016)
- 7 for Sydney Roosters (2015)
- 36 for New Zealand Warriors (2013-2015)
- 1 for Combined Nations All Stars (2021)
- 8 for Samoa (2013-2014, 2017)
- 1 for New Zealand (2014)
SAM SMEATON needs one appearance to reach 100 for Doncaster.
- Debut: Thornhill Trojans (a) (CC) (W24-20) (Centre) (8 February, 2020)
ALEX WALKER needs one try to reach 100 for his career.
- 82 for London Broncos (2014-2019, 2022-2025)
- 7 for Featherstone Rovers (2021, loan)
- 2 for Wakefield Trinity (2020-2021)
- 6 for London Skolars (2016, dual-registration)
- 2 for Scotland (2015, 2017, 2019, 2021-2022)
(0 for Hemel Stags, 2016, loan)
ONE TO WATCH
Edene Gebbie has been in fine try scoring form for Doncaster since joining at the start of the season. The PNG winger scored in last weekend's standout win over the league leaders Halifax and has been a regular scorer in the Championship since joining the Championship initially with Whitehaven last season.
PAST MEETINGS
It has been ten years since London Broncos played a competitive game in Doncaster. The last competitive game in London was at The Hive and a big win with Broncos winning 52-12 and you can watch the highlights below.
#WeAreLondon
Darren & Adam Hills to present the Community Club Awards: BOOK YOUR PLACE TODAY!
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
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
Awards to be presented by Adam Hills on 23 Oct - Buy Your Ticket Today!
Help them travel to Leeds to play Super League Clubs - PLEASE DONATE TODAY!
All funds support Community Rugby League in London - join the lottery today!
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
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!
