Last night Hull KR announced their fourth signing for 2025 with London Broncos’ young hooker Oli Leyland becoming their latest acquisition, however, the move has prompted a curious statement from the Broncos.
The Robins announced the signing of the 21-year-old last night, confirming that he would join on a two-year deal with the youngster presumably a tailor-made Matt Parcell replacement.
At the same time, London Broncos released their own statement in which they also confirmed the departure as they expressed their ‘bitter disappointment’.
The Broncos would go further and explained the contract scenario that the club found themselves in with Leyland as they revealed how Hull KR were able to sign the off-contract talent who has missed all of the Super League season so far following an injury in pre-season.
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How Hull KR could sign Bill Leyland revealed
Credit: Imago Images
On the surface, Hull KR announcing the signing of an off-contract player looked to be fairly standard but London Broncos have explained that Leyland had been on a two-year deal initially before it became null and void after their unexpected promotion.
After that surprise promotion, London re-offered Leyland a new two-year deal on full-time terms that would keep him with the club until the end of 2025, something the 21-year-old refused which has in turn allowed this move,
The capital team’s statement read: “London Broncos are aware that Bill Leyland has agreed a contract with Hull KR for next season and beyond. We are bitterly disappointed at the prospect of losing a player of Bill’s calibre. Bill signed a two-year deal with the club in June last season but following promotion to Super League and the subsequent upgrade to full time contracts, the existing two-year part-time deal that Bill had signed was effectively null and void. A new, one-year full-time deal was then negotiated after declining the opportunity to transfer the two-year part-time deal to a two-year full-time deal.
“Bill suffered a cruel season ending injury in January. We remain committed to supporting Bill through this difficult period and rehabilitating him back to full health and fitness wherever he plays his rugby next season.”
It’s perhaps another indication of how hard it is for teams to break into Super League. That’s highlighted by the fact that London were unable to offer a full-time contract whilst in the Championship, but Leyland’s two-year part-time deal became “null and void” upon earning promotion.
Of course, at that point it was Leyland’s choice to opt to reject a new two-year deal but it’s clear that London feel aggrieved by the situation, not that Hull KR have done anything wrong.
