Jason Demetriou believes London Broncos can be “a powerhouse of rugby league in the city” ahead of this weekend’s home Betfred Championship Grand Final.
The Broncos aim to complete the domestic treble when they face Doncaster at Wimbledon’s Cherry Red Records Stadium on Sunday at 3pm, having already claimed the League Leader’s Shield and the 1895 Cup so far in the 2026 season.
There is more hinging on this match than just another trophy for the home side, though, and Demetriou backed the team’s potential to generate enthusiasm down south and put London on the map for the 13-a-side code
He said: “We’re a club that’s building … I feel we’re starting to grow some real legs in the city.”
Founded in 1980 as Fulham RLFC, the Broncos are a relatively young club compared to many of their northern Championship opponents – something Demetriou emphasised.
Yet that hasn’t stopped them being successful in 2026 following investment from Australian rugby league great Darren Lockyer and mining magnate Grant Wechsel, finishing top of the table and winning all but one of their games during the Championship regular season.
They put an end to Newcastle Thunder’s 16-match winning streak in last Saturday’s preliminary final last Saturday as well, securing a decisive 33-18 victory.
This will be the fourth meeting with Doncaster in 2026 as well, with the Broncos having triumphed against the fourth-place finishers in all of their previous meetings.
Earlier this month, the Broncos secured a convincing 42-6 victory against Doncaster in the qualifying final, displaying their tireless and persistent attack which flourished in the second half after leading 14-6 at half time.
Yet back in Round 11 of the regular season, Doncaster were leading London going into the final six minutes of the game, until the Broncos summoned a boost of energy and sealed the victory with a handful of late tries.
The Yorkshire side will aim to attack ruthlessly and utilise players such as Connor Robinson, who holds rugby league’s world record for most successive conversions at 58.
Even so, London’s success this season puts them in favour of achieving something remarkable on Sunday before a home crowd – but with great power comes great responsibility.
Demetriou recognised the level of pressure placed on his team, especially alongside their broader goals for the development of the sport.
He said: “We want to get the public excited about rugby league in the south … to do that we have to win the treble.”
Demetriou believes, this pressure is felt strongly by the players, who have been anxious before big games before, namely their 1895 Cup final win over Widnes Vikings on the August bank holiday.
But the 50-year-old expressed confidence that his team are getting increasingly comfortable with dealing with such big moments.
He said: “We can drop the shackles and go out and play the footie we know we’re capable of playing.
“If you don’t start well, it can be tough to dig your way out.”
He also stressed a strong sense of camaraderie and that his team enjoys playing with one another, which he is in no doubt will aid their performance.
Yet no matter the outcome on Sunday, the London Broncos are determined to excel, as they look to take rugby league in the capitial and the south of England to the next level.
Demetriou added: “We finish the season as a group and we leave a legacy behind.”
Feature image: London Broncos
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