MATCH PREVIEW: London Broncos vs York Knights
Jake Watson • 16 August 2025
MATCH PREVIEW: London Broncos vs York Knights
It's an away trip to the league leaders this week for London Broncos as they go up north to take on York Knights at the LNR.
Mark Applegarth's side lead the Championship by two points over this weekend's opponents Toulouse and also Bradford.
The leaders have won 15 games on the bounce so provide a huge task for Mike Eccles side who are looking to get back to winning ways after a narrow defeat to Toulouse at the weekend.
SQUAD INFO
Mike Eccles has named his squad for Sunday's trip to the Championship leaders York Knights.
With a number of players currently managing injuries it is a squad of 18 players that has been named.
Walker, Bienek picked up injuries in the last game with Toulouse whilst Tindall is unavailable due HIA protocols.
Webster-Mansfield remains a couple of weeks away from a return although Polselli is back in training this weekend comes too soon for his return.
Aaron Small has a bicep injury and remains unavailable.
Kobe Rugless is straight into the squad after joining from Hunslet RLFC this week.
Jack Smith has been recalled by Leeds Rhinos this week but Marcus Qareqare comes into the squad in his place.
INTERVIEWS
Kobe Rugless joined London Broncos this week from Hunslet and the Aussie back says he can't wait to get stuck in to the action as he looks to impress Mike Eccles before the end of the season.
London Broncos head coach Mike Eccles says his team must "push through" the next couple of weeks as players make their way back from injuries.
Eccles has only been able to name a 18 man squad for the trip to the league leaders York on Sunday and says his team are "one to two weeks away from being really strong again."
Watch the full interview with Mike below.
STATS
Last ten meetings:
London Broncos 6, York 36 (ChR9, 3/5/25)
London Broncos 10, York 24 (ChR20, 30/7/23)
York 36, London Broncos 12 (CCR6, 21/5/23)
York 30, London Broncos 28 (ChR10, 7/5/23)
York 36, London Broncos 34 (ChR14, 5/6/22)
London Broncos 24, York 26 (ChR5, 6/3/22)
York 32, London Broncos 22 (ChR22, 19/9/21)
London Broncos 50, York 22 (ChR13, 11/7/21)
(at Trailfinders Sports Ground, Ealing)
London Broncos 2, York 14 (CCR2, 28/3/21)
(at The Rock, Roehampton)
York 12, London Broncos 18 (ChR5, 8/3/20)
(at Bootham Crescent)
SADIQ ADEBIYI needs one appearance to reach 150 for his career.
- 88 for London Broncos (2015-2021, 2024-2025)
- 25 for Keighley Cougars (2023)
- 3 for Wakefield Trinity (2022)
- 2 for Newcastle Thunder (2022, loan)
- 3 for Sheffield Eagles (2019, dual-registration)
- 9 for London Skolars (2017-2018, dual-registration)
- 11 for Oldham (2017, loan)
- 4 for Oxford (2016-2017, loan)
- 2 for Hemel Stags (2016, dual-registration)
- 2 for Nigeria (2019)
ONE TO WATCH
Despite being well into his 30's Ben Jones-Bishop is showing no signs of slowing down as he once again finds himself as one of the top scorers in the second tier.
The former London Broncos winger will come up against a rookie in either Robson or Qareqare and it will be an exciting match-up to see if it's youth or experience that comes out on top!
PREVIOUS MEETINGS
The last meeting between the two sides was at The Cherry Red Records and despite a very tight opening 40 minutes it was York who took the win.
#WeAreLondon
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!
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
