Hull KR recruit sends emotional message to explain Craven Park switch

Hull KR bound Bill Leyland has explained his decision to leave London Broncos as he prepares to begin the next chapter of his career.

Leyland has put pen to paper on a two-year contract with the Robins in a deal that was announced back in July. It means the 21-year-old will be leaving the club he has spent his entire career with to date in order to compete with and learn from the likes of Jez Litten and Micky McIlorum in east Hull.

Leyland hasn’t seen a minute of competitive action in Super League this year after rupturing his ACL in pre-season. However, he is still a favourite in the capital for his performances in the build-up to the club’s promotion from the Championship in 2023 which saw him named the league’s Young Player of the Year.

As such, his departure is an emotional one and as he bids farewell, he has sent a message to the club and its supporters.

“My decision to leave was an extremely difficult one,” he said per the Broncos website. “I love London Broncos, it’s the club I have been at since I was 14 and it provided me the opportunity to develop and progress in the game playing at all levels of scholarship, academy, reserves and first team.

“Firstly I would just like to say a massive thank you to all involved at the club and especially Mike, who gave me my debut at the club at 19 years old and the following season he trusted me enough to put me in the 17.

“It was such a great season and the Broncos have provided me with my favourite rugby league memories that I’ll never forget. Secondly, I’d like to say a massive thank you to the fans that have always supported me throughout the highs and the lows, it’s been a pleasure to play in front of you and to always give my all for the shirt.

“It has been a true honour to be part of such a great club and I will miss everything about Broncos but the opportunity to sign for one of the most exciting teams in Super league and develop my skills further was too good of a chance to turn down and is a challenge I am eagerly awaiting.”