Rugby League News | Darren Lockyer eyes Broncos Super League return

A new era for London Broncos

Rugby League legend Darren Lockyer has spoken of his excitement at the potential takeover of London Broncos.

Author | Ajay

This is a move he believes could revive the club’s fortunes and help secure a return to Super League. Lockyer, a former Australia international, is working alongside business partner Grant Wechel on a deal that would see ex-Wakefield Trinity captain Jason Demetriou installed as head coach.

The pair insist that while the Broncos name will remain, the club would undergo a complete refresh and relaunch to reposition it as a major force in the capital. The Broncos, one of Super League’s founding members, were relegated from the top tier last season and are currently competing in the Championship.

Super League will expand from 12 to 14 teams in 2026, with London among several Championship clubs to have registered bids. Applications close on Friday, with the new line-up due to be confirmed in October. Broncos face stiff competition from York, Oldham, Bradford and French side Toulouse.

“London is a world city and there’s a huge opportunity to build a rugby league brand here that people can follow,” Lockyer told BBC Sport. “The Broncos name is part of that story and we want to make it stronger.”

The ownership group, working with Australian firm Freshwater Group, began exploring options in May before formally registering their interest in August. Wechel confirmed Demetriou has committed to joining regardless of whether the Broncos are successful, and said funding was already secured.

“We need to build a squad that can win the Championship if we don’t make Super League,” he explained. “But we believe we’ve got a strong bid and a real chance of success.”

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Demetriou brings a wealth of experience after 11 years as a player with Widnes, Wakefield and Keighley, where he was the first Australian to captain a Super League side. His coaching career has taken him to the Brisbane Broncos and South Sydney, adding international pedigree to the project.

Lockyer said the recruitment strategy would blend players from Australia and New Zealand with a foundation of homegrown talent, ensuring London Broncos can compete immediately while also building for the future.