London chairman calls for fans to get behind them

James Gordon

London Broncos chairman David Hughes has issued a rallying cry to the club’s supporters to get behind the team ahead of the 2013 season.

The Broncos, an ever present in the 18 years of Super League, averaged just 2808 supporters in 2012, as they narrowly avoided finishing bottom of the table.

With Tony Rea, who helped guide the Broncos to a 12th placed finish following the departure of Rob Powell mid way through the season, back at the helm, spirits are high in the Broncos camp.

Hughes said: “Tony’s massively positive about the pre-season. It’s a demanding scenario under this  regime. All the players are back and training well, there’s a determined feel and momentum about the place.

“Everyone is pumped up and Tony’s particularly pleased with how the individuals have taken to pre-season training. I feel that this is the year when we finally fulfil our potential and we need the supporters to get behind us at The Stoop.”

It will be the second season since the club re-branded back to Broncos, following a turbulent six years under the Harlequins RL moniker.

Rea added: “We understand where the club has to be and what that means. We’re conscious of what we’re doing and why we’re doing it. We’re prepared to work and fight for it.”

The club still harbours ambitions to move away from Twickenham Stoop, the home of the rugby union club, to forge its own identity, but have found alternative venues had to come by.

Next season, the Broncos will play an on the road game against Warrington at Gillingham FC’s Priestfield Stadium, while last season they also played a game at Brisbane Road, home of Leyton Orient FC.