Incoming London Broncos coach Jason Demetriou has dropped a major hint that the capital club will be playing in Super League in 2026.
At the start of the 2025 season, it seemed near impossible that London would be part of the 2026 Super League but the Broncos, and several other sides, were handed a boost when it was announced mid-season that the competition would be expanding to 14 teams for 2026.
It was a decision that shocked many, particularly the timing of it with suggestions that goalposts were being moved, but for clubs like London it presented a real opportunity.
That opportunity and their case to be in Super League only strengthened when Leeds Rhinos exec Gary Hetherington took up a role at the club, and that’s brought in big investment from Australia with Darren Lockyer the face of it.
The investment is already evident with former South Sydney Rabbitohs head coach Jacon Demetriou appointed and NRL stars Reagan Campbell-Gillard and Siliva Havili signed up.
That’s led many to believe London will be one of the the two teams selected by an independent panel and Jason Demetriou’s latest interview only adds to that argument.
Incoming London Broncos coach talks Super League signings
Demetriou was in international action this past weekend, coaching Papua New Guinea against an Australian Prime Minister’s XIII. The Kumuls, who were captained by Nene Macdonald, lost 28-10 in wet weather game where some Ashes prospects played.
The incoming London Broncos coach spoke post-match to assess the game but most interesting were his comments on new signings, and the suggestion that he would take across some of his PNG internationals.
“I can’t expand on it too much in terms of names but there’s a couple (of Papua New Guinea internationals) that I’m really keen to take over,” Demetriou responded.
His next comments then made reference to Super League in a big hint that potentially the Broncos think they are in the 14 for 2026.
Demetriou said: “I think the experience will do them really good and I think they’ll do well in Super League.
“There’s obviously a good contingent of Papua New Guinea boys in Super League now so I think taking a few more will be good for London but good for the game over there as well.”
Of course, it’s worth noting that plenty of Australians refer to English rugby league as Super League but ahead of this week’s decision and the clear investment in the capital side, they are comments that add weight to the argument.
Rugby League Commercial have confirmed that Thursday will see all the IMG grades confirmed meaning 12 of the 14 Super League teams will be announced before the 13th and 14th teams are confirmed at 10:00 am on Friday morning.
London’s IMG score isn’t expected to trouble the top twelve so they will have to wait until Friday to find out where they’re playing in 2026.
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