Reagan Campbell-Gillard has turned to some of rugby league’s most respected leaders as he prepares for the biggest off-field challenge of his career, captaining a reborn London Broncos.
The former Kangaroo and State of Origin prop revealed he sought guidance from Isaah Yeo shortly after being named skipper of the Broncos, with further leadership advice to come from Clint Gutherson and Mitchell Moses.
Campbell-Gillard’s appointment is a cornerstone move in London’s ambitious rebuild under head coach Jason Demetriou, as the club targets a return to the Super League in 2027 following its reset under new ownership led by Darren Lockyer and businessman Grant Wechsel.
Isaah Yeo during Game 3 of the 2025 State of Origin match between the NSW Blues and the QLD Marons. (Photo: Joshua Davis)
Speaking in his first interview since being named captain, Campbell-Gillard explained why Yeo was his first call.
“I spoke to ‘Yeoy’ last week just for a bit of guidance and he basically said, ‘Say something if you feel like the team needs it. Don’t talk just for the sake of talking’,” Campbell-Gillard told the Daily Telegraph.
“I won’t be trying to copy anyone else.
“I’ve picked up little things from captains, coaches and leaders throughout my career and I’ll add my own flavour to that.”
The 32-year-old, who played 245 NRL games and represented Australia in nine Tests, admitted the captaincy came as a surprise.
“I didn’t come here expecting to be captain, so I was a bit shocked. It’s the first time I’ve done this,” he said.
“Having the title is new, but I’m pretty stoked. It’s an honour and I’m excited for myself and the club.”
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – SEPTEMBER 06: Reagan Campbell-Gillard of the Eels kicks the final conversion of the match during the round 27 NRL match between Wests Tigers and Parramatta Eels at Campbelltown Stadium, on September 06, 2024, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Jeremy Ng/Getty Images)
Broncos co-owner Wechsel said Campbell-Gillard’s buy-in made him the obvious choice.
“From the moment we met Reagan, he bought into what we’re trying to build in London,” Wechsel said.
“He’s been terrific off the field and on the training paddock, and Jason was delighted to choose him as captain.”