GARY HETHERINGTON has called for rugby league to become more ‘national’ with the advent of more teams in the south and Wales.
Hetherington, who recently stepped down as chairman of Leeds Rhinos after three decades, is now a director of the London Broncos.
His first task was to attract major investment, and succeeded in doing so with Darren Lockyer and Grant Wechsel becoming heavily involved in the capital club.
Former South Sydney Rabbitohs head coach Jason Demetriou has been brought in as head coach as the capital club looks to rise from the ashes once more.
For Hetherington, it’s about growing the Broncos as a brand first – and helping Londoners find the sport.
“London is a great brand to have in association with rugby league,” Hetherington told the League Express podcast.
“Rugby league needs to strengthen its heartlands in the north of England and then start to expand with London and the south of England an obvious choice.
“A lot of northerners live in London and a lot of southerners love rugby league. A lot don’t know about the heritage and history but then become passionate followers of the game when they do.
“I would like to think the ultimate success of London could encourage and promote other areas and regions to create a new rugby league base.”
Hetherington believes there is scope for more rugby league success around the UK – not just the north of England.
“I think there could be more than one team in London in future years. There could be two, three or four in London and in the south.
“Wales is an obvious target area too, along with the south west of England. As a sport we need to become more national and more connected to the UK as a whole.”