London Broncos argument riddled in contradictions as pleas for help highlight shortcomings
Friday marks London Broncos' final match in their latest Super League adventure, a fate they had been consigned to before they had even made their return to the top-flight stage.
The newly introduced IMG grading system meant the Broncos were always heading for the drop this year, the only surprise is that with one round to go, they aren't bottom placed on the table. London head into their final game eleventh, above Hull FC, knowing if they match or better their result this weekend, they will have silenced a lot of doubters who gave them no hope. That's a credit to them.
As the season has drawn to a close, London have gone on quite the PR offensive, imploring IMG to reconsider their position and to give the club a reprieve. Their head coach, Mike Eccles, believes the Broncos should be treated as an individual case.
There are some merits behind that belief. IMG themselves stated that the area was a 'sleeping giant' when they identified it as an area of growth. Nobody can deny that a strong London club would be good for the competition and for rugby league itself.
But that's the issue, the current version of London Broncos is not a strong one.
After their Magic Weekend victory over Hull FC, Eccles suggested that the only way to guarantee the club would remain in operation was by giving them a Super League reprieve. That, in itself, should set alarm bells ringing. If a club needs Super League status guaranteed to ensure it will operate, there are problems.
Many supporting London's cause are fundamentally against sport being determined beyond on-field performance and while nobody at the Broncos has gone as far to say as much, there is a degree of contradiction in Eccles claiming the club should be given an exemption while owner David Hughes has publicly criticised the implementation of grading, which provides immunity to clubs who are considered 'Grade A' clubs.
Hughes has put an eye-watering amount of money into the club over the years and deserves tremendous credit for his loyalty but at a time when there's growing suggestion he is ready to back away from the club, their imminent future comes into question.
The Broncos have secured a superb facility at Wimbledon, their latest of several relocations around the city, yet they still have the lowest average attendance in Super League and haven't averaged over 4,000 since 2006.
Referencing historical attendances might seem like a cheap shot, but it's a relevant point in the context of London's argument. The Broncos have moved between divisions since 2015 but before that, they spent 19 seasons in the top flight, including through the franchising era, and were unable to capitalise on a prolonged stint at the top table.
As for on the field, the Broncos will earn deserved praise if they don't finish bottom of the pile, but it should be remembered that they have only won three games out of 26. Only five teams in Super League's 29 seasons, one of those being the London side relegated with one win in 2015, have won fewer games than this Broncos team in a campaign. Hull FC's woeful season, and potentially the low expectations placed on London, have blinded people to the reality of their season.
It isn't to say London don't positively contribute to the sport. Their list of academy products far exceeds some of the heartland clubs and most Super League teams have at least one player produced by the Broncos in their ranks. That said, the club announced last year that it would be ceasing operation of its elite academy, which could have implications on its ability to produce players in the future.
But for all the talk of the Broncos' potential, sadly, they have never realised it, and there's little evidence to suggest that's going to change soon. That isn't all their fault and the Rugby Football League has fundamentally failed over a period spanning decades to successfully build and execute a plan to put rugby league on the map in London. The Broncos have needed more support but, as is often the case with expansion, the sport dips its toe in without properly supporting it. But the Broncos haven't got things right either as proven by their inability to grow over many years.
There's plenty to be admired and the fact their current squad is brimming with talent beyond the heartlands is an example of what they can bring. At a time when clubs are complaining about a shrinking player pool, it can't afford to lose London. And in that sense, the warnings of Eccles and the club should be treated seriously. They certainly shouldn't be taken for granted.
But with fears over sustainability and their squad picked apart, they need time to regroup and come back stronger. The onus is on the Broncos to do that and if they do, they will be a welcome addition to Super League.
But as it stands, there's a lot of work to be done.
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