LONDON BRONCOS coach Jason Demetriou wants the Cherry Red Records Stadium turnstiles to be clicking once again when Oldham roll up for Sunday’s showdown of two of the second tier’s heavyweights.
And the Australian appointed on the back of compatriots Darren Lockyer and Grant Wechsel’s takeover has told existing and potential new fans: “We want to start aiming for the stars.”
The duo’s investment in the Broncos, who are chasing a place in Super League, has enabled the building of an impressive squad, including players from Papua New Guinea, where Demetriou is also coach of the national team, as well as Australia.
Club staff are working hard to spread the Rugby League word in London. Having announced a 4,380 attendance for the opening-round over Widnes at Wimbledon, higher than all but two home gates the last time the club were in the top flight in 2024, Demetriou is encouraged.
“Grant and Darren are really backing the club, and day to day, you’re seeing their investment, trying to reach new areas in London and grow the crowd,” he said.
“We’ve got the numbers; we want them to keep coming back and we want them to bring their mates. And we want London to start aiming for the stars, not coming last.”
After their 44-12 win over Widnes, in which PNG international centre Alex Max scored two tries and former Australia prop Reagan Campbell-Gillard one, the Broncos are third in the embryonic table, with Oldham top.
And former South Sydney Rabbitohs team chief Demetriou, who spent three seasons as a Widnes player between 2001 and 2003, added: “Coming into that game was the most nervous I’ve been as a coach for a long time, purely because there were so many unknowns.
“But I was really pleased with what I saw, a group of guys willing to work for their teammates and turn up when things are going against them.”