A former Australia international has arrived in this country to boost rugby league in the capital. Matt Adamson, who was capped five times by Australia’s Super League Test side in 1997, will work alongside Leeds Rhinos’ Gary Hetherington at London Broncos.
Hetherington is spending two days per week supporting Broncos’ bid to find new ownership and develop the game in the capital.
He is expected to become the club’s executive chairman when he steps down as Rhinos chief executive at the end of this season.
Adamson, a former second-rower, played 72 times for Rhinos from 2002-2004. He also appeared for Parramatta Eels, Penrith Panthers and Canberra Raiders in the NRL and had a spell on the backroom staff at Catalans Dragons at the start of their time in Super League, 19 years ago.
The 52-year-old met with Hetherington in Las Vegas earlier this month, when the American city hosted two NRL matches and a Super League showdown between Wigan Warriors and Warrington Wolves.
The duo also spent time together in England last autumn and Adamson was at AMT Headingley for Leeds Rhinos’ 12-10 win over Wigan Warriors two days ago.
His role with Broncos club is so far unconfirmed, but the club are expected to announce a relaunch next month.
It is understood the NRL are planning to invest in the capital outfit who were relegated from Betfred Super League to the Championship last year and were crushed 50-6 at Oldham yesterday.
The Australian competition will fund marketing and set up centres of excellence to be run by Broncos and Brisbane-based partner club Dolphins.
Broncos currently hold a B grade on the IMG rankings, but Hetherington and Adamson hope to raise that to A, securing a return to the top-flight.
