London calling: Demetriou, NRL stars to head up Lockyer's UK Broncos
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PNG Kumuls coach and former Rabbitohs mentor Jason Demetriou is set to take charge of a new-look London Broncos team stacked with NRL talent under the ownership of Darren Lockyer.
London Broncos have formally applied to return to the Super League next season with a new ownership group comprising of Lockyer, successful businessman Grant Wechsel and long-time Leeds supremo Gary Hetherington.
The Broncos announced that Demetriou, who coached South Sydney from 2022 until 2024, had agreed to a three-year pre-commitment in anticipation of London being admitted to the Super League.
In a statement issued by the club on Monday, the Broncos also said they were "in the process of securing pre-commitments from leading NRL players, including several internationals, that would comprise up to half the run-on team".
With reports that Tom Trbojevic was considering leaving Manly after his contract expires at the end of the 2026 season and was eyeing a move to Super League, Lockyer confirmed the superstar fullback could be a potential target.
"He'd be awesome in the Super League," Lockyer told Nine's 100% Footy on Monday night.
"He would light the Super League up and, if he is available, I think a lot of clubs over there would be trying to find some money for him."
While Demetriou will continue to coach the Kumuls, he has agreed to a long-term arrangement with London to help implement new winning systems, curricula and culture in the club.
The comprehensive bid for Super League entry represents a clear vision for the future of the Broncos and for the growth of the game in London.
Rabbitohs halfback Jamie Humphreys and Wests Tigers-bound secondrower Kai Pearce-Paul have come through development programs at London Broncos.
The submission clearly articulates the benefits to the game and the Super League of a London team, outlining strategies to grow grassroots participation, elite talent pathways to expand the game’s talent pool and increase attendance and fandom.
“A successful London club will help the Super League achieve maximum growth and potential,” Lockyer said.
“To be a truly national competition and to grow the game’s exposure, finances and talent pool, the game should be represented in the nation’s capital, and the largest financial market in the world.
“London is the largest greenfield market for rugby league growth; if anchored by a strong and sustainable club, the benefits to rugby league could be huge."
The new ownership group believes the changes will provide the Broncos with the capital, commitment, credibility and capability that are required to be a competitive force in the top-tier competition.
The proposal is a detailed operational and financial plan for the club to achieve financial sustainability and success both on and off the field.
“We have undertaken a root-and-branch review of all operational aspects of the club and will be recalibrating the club across all operational disciplines to achieve excellence," Wechsel said.
"We want the London Broncos to be the standard bearer for the Super League; that’s our commitment to the governing body, London Broncos fans, and the rugby league community."
The new ownership will be supported by London's dedicated and long-serving staff, and a team of highly experienced club administrators and consultants who have been appointed to assist in the next chapter of the Broncos’ financial and footballing future.
The bid outlines a clear forecast and plan to ensure the operational and financial sustainability of the Club through investment in resources, systems, and robust governance, as well as a plan to diversify revenue away from its current reliance on centralised funding.
