REAGAN CAMPBELL-GILLARD wants to make his stay in the UK a lengthy one after signing for the London Broncos.
The 32-year-old shocked both sides of the world when he signed for the Broncos. With almost 250 NRL appearances under his belt, Campbell-Gillard chose to play in the second tier of the northern hemisphere.
The Broncos were unable to make it to Super League for 2026 after being denied by an independent panel that instead chose York Knights and Toulouse Olympique to join the Promised Land for the upcoming campaign.
However, the former Gold Coast prop believes that was just a minor obstacle for London to manoeuvre round after being taken over by businessman Grant Wechsel and NRL legend Darren Lockyer.
“I wasn’t disappointed with the decision, I think it was ok that we didn’t get in because it gave us a solid year to get everything right and make sure we are strong both front of house and on the field as well,” Campbell-Gillard told League Express.
“It was just a little bump along the way. We will be right. Grant and Locky (new owners Grant Wechsel and Darren Lockyer) have the vision to make sure this club is strong moving forward and that our grading will be high enough to get a chance in Super League.”
Did the decision to choose York Knights and Toulouse Olympique over London ever cast doubt in Campbell-Gillard’s mind about making the move to the UK?
“I was always committed whether the club made it to Super League or not. I get to live in London.
“We are just around the corner from the training facility. I’m not complaining, it’s just a short train ride into London if you need to get there.
“It’s just getting used to the weather and the different training paddocks you have to train on. Games are getting cancelled due to the frozen fields.
“That’s something you’ve got to get your head around as an Aussie. We are going into summer back home with 45 degrees to minus two over here.
“It’s a little bit different, but it’s a great opportunity for me and my family.”
And the 32-year-old even hinted he is ready to stay in the UK for a long time.
“I do (want to stay for a long time), that’s the goal and in five years I’m pretty sure you qualify for residency
“We will take it year by year though, baby steps first to make sure we can be a strong team and then that transpires into more things later down the track.”