Lockyer Aims to Transform London Broncos and Rugby League

Darren Lockyer, the former rugby league star, is pushing for a significant transformation of the London Broncos, aiming to tap into the latent potential for rugby league in the capital. Lockyer, alongside business partner Grant Wechsel, visited London to advance their bid to acquire the Broncos and to submit an application to join the expanded Super League in 2026. Their visit included attending the Broncos’ final home game of the Championship season, where they suffered a 34-24 defeat against the Bradford Bulls in Wimbledon.

In a recent discussion on the All Out Rugby League podcast, Lockyer articulated his vision for revitalizing a Super League presence in London. He expressed his commitment to enhancing the global profile of rugby league, stating, “I want rugby league to be the best version it can be across the globe, and London is a big part of that.” Lockyer emphasized that this initiative could not only save the club but also uplift the sport itself.

Lockyer acknowledged the unique challenges of operating in London compared to traditional rugby league regions in the north of England. He stressed the importance of adapting their strategy to suit the specific market dynamics of the capital. “When you’re in London, you cannot think the way the northern clubs think; you need to think differently,” he noted.

The takeover is facilitated by Leeds Rhinos chief executive Gary Hetherington and is expected to be finalized by the end of the month. This venture has the backing of the Brisbane Broncos, where Lockyer spent his illustrious career, re-establishing a historical connection between the two clubs that dates back to the 1990s.

Plans for Rebranding and Competitive Roster

The new ownership team plans to rebrand the London Broncos ahead of the 2026 season. They aim to utilize the full salary cap and recruit three marquee players to strengthen the team’s competitiveness. Lockyer revealed that they are considering appointing Jason Demetriou, the current head coach of Papua New Guinea, to lead the Broncos, contingent upon their entry into the Super League. Demetriou has a wealth of experience, having played for Wakefield Trinity and served on the coaching staff of the North Queensland Cowboys during their 2015 NRL Grand Final victory.

While Lockyer did not disclose specific names regarding potential team captains, he hinted that announcing their primary target could attract significant media attention in Australia. Lockyer confirmed, “We’re already talking to people,” suggesting proactive steps towards building a strong leadership structure. He expressed confidence that the right appointments could quickly enhance the roster and target a playoff position in their inaugural season.

Lockyer currently sees potential in some of the existing Broncos players, believing that a select few could compete effectively in the Super League. “Our target for year one would be to be on the fringes of the finals,” he stated.

Commitment to Local Stadium and Community Engagement

The Broncos play their home matches at AFC Wimbledon’s Cherry Red Records Stadium, a venue Lockyer and Wechsel are dedicated to utilizing effectively. Lockyer remarked on the importance of a gradual approach, saying, “You must crawl before you walk, walk before you run.” He expressed a vision to cultivate a robust local fanbase, aiming to sell out the stadium for home games.

“Our vision is to get enough members to sell that ground out every time we play at home,” he affirmed. Should the team outgrow the venue, Lockyer views it as a positive sign of growth and success in the community.

As Lockyer and Wechsel advance their plans, the rugby league community will be watching closely to see how their vision unfolds and whether the London Broncos can become a competitive force in the Super League, potentially transforming the landscape of rugby league in the capital.