Scrum-half Jamie Soward travels from Australia to make the game.
London Broncos include two new signings and nine homegrown players in their 19-man squad for tomorrow’s clash with Salford City Reds at Twickenham Stoop.
Jamie Soward has signed up for the rest of the season from the NRL and sets off from Australia today and touches down on the morning of the game.
The scrum-half is joined by month-long loanee Ryan Shaw and head coach Tony Rea talked up the native London contingent ahead of the game.
“They are coming in prepared and ready for it. It’s a great opportunity for our home fans to be able to see these kids come through and enjoy them,” Rea said.
Of the nine Londoners, Rea reserved special praise for 19-year-old Harry Little and 18-year-old Joel Wicks who made their debuts in last weekend’s defeat to Wakefield.
“They will definitely hold their spot, they were terrific. That’s based on performance and not injuries. They’ve done a great job,” he said.
Little was even voted man of the match by his fellow teammates for his performance and it marks a departure from working in a shoe shop as he had done until recently.
“Even this week we had training on Tuesday, we finished about 2pm and I had to be in the shoe shop at 3pm, so it’s sort of like living two lives. It’s worth it,” said Little.
“The call up was really unexpected to be honest. I was called into training on Friday and I thought I was just getting the experience in.
“I was really excited and it was good to get the opportunity.”
Salford arrive in the capital a point behind the Broncos as both sides attempt to pull away from the bottom of the Super League table.
Jetlagged or not, Rea has indicated that Soward will start from the bench and the London coach believes the playmaker has the game to lift the Broncos.
“His kicking game is a real asset, there’s no question on that,” Rea said.
“He’s a great support player and the great enthusiasm in training and games that will be something for all of our guys to be feeding off and working with.”
Rea’s arsenal for the Salford game was improved by Shaw who was loaned from Championship side Swinton Lions to the Broncos earlier in the week.
“It’s terrific to have Ryan in, he’s had one session with us but looks sharp and we’re really happy with him,” he said.
Follow us @SW_Londoner
