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Brisbane Broncos rubbish reports of London Broncos takeover

London Broncos Mike Eccles - Wigan Warriors pair join

NRL club Brisbane Broncos have reacted to and rubbished reports that they are involved in a takeover of Championship side London Broncos.

Following their relegation from Super League, London owner David Hughes stepped away from the club after 27 years leaving the capital’s side with a fight to secure their future financially.

Back in October, Club CEO Jason Loubser confirmed the club needed £900,000 to contest the season as he spoke on the challenges that that club faced.

In November, reports of overseas investment have seen NRL icon Robbie Farah mentioned but the most recent update from The Sun claimed that Leeds Rhinos’ CEO Gary Hetherington was helping to broker a deal that saw Brisbane Broncos invest in London.

That report claimed Hetherington to be a key facilitator in a deal where the NRL side put together a “rescue package” to buy part of London – something that Brisbane have now firmly denied in the Australian media.

Brisbane Broncos rubbish reports of London Broncos takeover

Speaking to The Daily Telegraph, Brisbane’s CEO and chairman have both flatly denied the reports with chairman Karl Morris claiming “It’s the first I’ve heard of it”.

Responding to the reports, Brisbane CEO Dave Donaghy said: “I’m aware of interest from English clubs seeking investment from their Australian counterparts but to be clear, ownership of a UK club is not something the Brisbane Broncos are considering right now.”

Karl Morris went further as he revealed that Brisbane has “zero interest” in a deal with an overseas club.

“It’s the first I’ve heard of it,” he declared to the Telegraph.

“I understand there are people (linked to the Super League) in Australia.

“There is zero interest from us in an international football franchise.”

Whilst Brisbane’s denial of the reports is very strong, Leeds Rhinos’ Gary Hetherington – the man reported to have brokered the reported deal – has confirmed that those discussions took place in Australia, thus suggesting some form of Australian interest in the London Broncos.

Speaking to Serious About Rugby League, Hetherington said: “I have been working behind the scenes just to help them and to identify people who could add value to their operation and become an owner of the place.

“Those discussions are continuing while I am in Australia. I’m here basically on a family holiday – my daughter lives just outside Sydney – but while I am here I will have discussions with people and encourage them to get involved.”

Hetherington did decline comment on Brisbane’s involvement though, stating: “Quite a number of parties are showing an interest.”

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