WHO HAS PLAYED FOR BOTH: London Broncos and Featherstone Rovers
Jake Watson • 22 February 2025
WHO HAS PLAYED FOR BOTH: London Broncos and Featherstone Rovers
London Broncos have enjoyed many tough encounters with Championship rivals Featherstone Rovers over the years and that rivalry will be renewed on Sunday as the two sides meet at The Cherry Red Records Stadium.
Jordan Williams will return to Wimbledon for the first time as an opposing player this weekend after graduating from the Broncos academy and going on to play 85 times.
But who else has played for both? We have taken a look at SOME of those to have done it. Can you name any more?
Wellington Albert
The popular PNG prop was at Featherstone for the 2024 season after two seasons in London. Albert played 42 times for Broncos in Wimbledon and quickly became a fans favourite, featuring in the run which saw the club promoted back to Super League. The 30-year-old also had two loan spells at Featherstone whilst at Leeds before coming to London in 2022.
Ikram Butt
Ikram is a real legend of the sport having become the first british asian to play for England in either codes of rugby after playing for England in 1995 whilst representing Featherstone Rovers. Butt was born in Leeds and came through at his hometown club of the Rhinos but it was at Featherstone where he would really make his mark in the game playing 168 times. He would then leave in 1995 to join London Broncos before moves to Huddersfield and Hunslet at the end of his career.
Dean Parata
We welcome Dean back to The Cherry Red Records Stadium as our special guest this afternoon. The Aussie born Italian had three stellar years in London as a vice captain, promotion winner and Championship Player of The Year. Prior to coming to Wimbledon Parata played for Barrow, Toulouse and Featherstone. Parata made the decision to retire at the end of last season but will receive a warm welcome in the Legends Lounge on Sunday.
Ben Hellewell
Hellewell enjoyed a fine career that took him to a number of professional rugby league clubs but it was probably both Broncos and Featherstone where he is best remembered. Starting out at Warrington he didn’t make a first team appearance but after a couple of loan spells it was Featherstone where Hellewell would make his mark permanently. However after a year it was a move to London and this time over 100 appearances spanning across 4 years was the Bradford born man’s longest spell at any club. After leaving London in 2019 Hellewell would eventually return to Featherstone for another season in 2022.
Chris Hankinson
A player who is currently playing in Super League with Salford Red Devils but has successfully played for both Broncos and Featherstone. Although it was just a short loan spell in London for Hankinson, he left a good impression with 6 tries and 120 points in just 11 games. A year in France with Toulouse followed a move to Featherstone Rovers and despite winning the league leaders shield in 2023, Hankinson and Rovers would be beaten by the Broncos in the play-off semi finals.
Morgan Smith
We are likely to face Smith this season with the Featherstone born man now playing for Craig Lingard’s Sheffield Eagles. After coming through at Warrington, Smith came to London in 2019 playing in both Super League and Championship. Smith’s best season came in the 2022 season whilst at Featherstone where he would score 22 tries in 30 games.
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
