PNG stars help launch London's Lockyer era in style

Kumuls centre Alex Max scored a brace of tries as London’s PNG contingent helped launch a new era for the Broncos under the ownership of Darren Lockyer in triumphant fashion.

Coached by Kumuls mentor Jason Demetriou and featuring five members of the PNG team which won last year’s Pacific Bowl, the Broncos defeated Widnes 44-12 in the opening round of the Challenge Cup at Wimbledon’s Cherry Red Records Stadium.

Lockyer and Broncos co-owner Grant Wechsel were among the 4380 crowd, which included supporters with Papua New Guinea flags and many other fans watching rugby league in the English capital for the first time.

“It was important that we started well because we want them to keep coming back and we want them to bring their mates,” Demetriou said.

“We want London to start aiming for the stars. Now it’s about what we can control and that’s the style of the footy we play to bring people through the gates.”  

Max scored London’s first and last tries as former Rabbitohs and Eels halfback Dean Hawkins steered the Broncos to a convincing win in a man-of-the-match performance.

Hawkins was among 10 Broncos players making their first appearances for the club, including Kumuls fullback Morea Morea, Max and fellow centre Robert Mathias, prop Epel Kapinias and playmaker Gairo Voro.

Kumuls team-mates Finlay Glare and Jeremiah Simbiken have also made the move to London to play under Demetriou but did not feature against Widnes.

Glare and Simbiken are expected to play in London's next Challenge Cup match on January 25.

The recruitment of Demetriou and seven members of his PNG squad is part of London's plan to win promotion from the Championship to Super League next season and they will also be aiming to make an impact in the Challenge Cup.

With so many of the Kumuls playing together, Demetriou will also be able to build combinations and provide the likes of Morea, Glare and Goro with more top-level experience ahead of the upcoming World Cup.

The London-based contingent would be likely recruitment targets for the PNG Chiefs franchise entering the NRL in 2028.  

The Broncos were captained by former Kangaroos prop Reagan Campbell-Gillard (ex-Titans, Eels, Panthers) and also included Tongan hooker Saliva Havilli (ex-Rabbitohs, Raiders) and Perth Bears recruits Luke Smith (ex-Bulldogs) and Emarly Bitungane (ex-Cowboys).

Campbell-Gillard conceded three first half penalties for two high tackles and a shoulder charge, earning the wrath of referee Tara Jones and enabling Widnes to level the scores at 12-12 after Max and Hawkins had scored early tries.

After leading 16-12 at halftime following a 39th minute try to Mathias, the Broncos produced a more disciplined second half to run away with the match as Hawkins took full control.

“He’ll be an elite level half over here, that’s for sure,” Demetriou told the post match press conference.

“He has been itching to have his own team, and he has got it now so it is about everyone growing around him as well and I think we will see that in the next few weeks.”

London Broncos 44 (Alex Max 2, Dean Hawkins, Roberth Mathias, Reagan Campbell-Gillard, Lewis Bienek, Jimmy Meadows, Elliott Wallis tries; Jack Croft 6 goals) def Widnes 12 (Jordan Johnstone, Sam Wilde tries; Jordan Abdull 2 goals).