Marquee Signing : Thu Jan 10, 2019 1:19 pm  

Very surprised that your owner has not taken the plunge here.

Back in super league and with increased publicity I thought that a big name signing or two was essential to give you a fighting chance of finishing higher than the 11th place that is required for a further season in the top flight..

Credit where it is due, your team spirit towards the end of last season earned you promotion but that will be severely tested this season after a few losses.
Also thought he missed a trick now discussing a move to Brentford FC's new stadium. London Irish RFC thought it a good idea.
Thoughts anyone.

I sincerely believe that strong London team is essential especially know that the London amateur scene is so strong, a fact that is often sadly missed up here.

Re: Marquee Signing : Thu Jan 10, 2019 3:57 pm  

Totally agree with the first paragraph

Re: Marquee Signing : Thu Jan 10, 2019 6:08 pm  

Raises a couple of questions! Why is a super league presence essential for the amateur game in London? The am game has actually coped quite happily the last few years without a SL team.
As for spending for success, not sure it works! Think Salford and Leigh are testament to that. And even with the big money players Leeds Catalan Warrington have all shown it can be a slog.
Does the squad have the quality to survive? I think main problem is numbers, a couple of injuries and we will really struggle! In the past some of our "big" signings have not been worth the investment through injury or failure to perform.
Will London surprise the pundits? I hope so, could we buy the wins with a marquee player? Actually I don't think so.
So bit like last season when most folk wrote us off due to the coach, let's see what happens with what we have!

Re: Marquee Signing : Thu Jan 10, 2019 8:46 pm  

Not all amateur players seek to turn professional, however those that do will have to move north and therefore having a strong London team gives them something to aspire to.

In addition I have watched the Broncos academy on several occasions in the last two years and have thought several were capable of playing a good standard of rugby as they move out of the academy system.

Re: Marquee Signing : Fri Jan 11, 2019 4:03 pm  

Ricardo! My point was the local teams have not suffered at all by Broncos not being in SL.
I would suggest also that those amateurs seeking to turn pro would be aspiring to play for the likes of Wigan or Leeds, or Brisbane etc

Re: Marquee Signing : Fri Jan 11, 2019 5:02 pm  

northernbloke wrote:

I would suggest also that those amateurs seeking to turn pro would be aspiring to play for the likes of Wigan or Leeds, or Brisbane etc

Realistically London amateurs aren't going to be straight onto clubs like Wigan or Leeds as a pro. The Broncos provide a good pathway whether in Championship or SL.

Re: Marquee Signing : Fri Jan 11, 2019 5:28 pm  

Buzza, that’s my point! Actually does not rely on there being a SL team in the capital!
Sadly don’t think SL or the RFL really care about London there interest is still over the Atlantic I feel.