Reagan Campbell-Gillard is tipping London Broncos’ contingent of Papua New Guineans to be a real ‘handful’ this season in the Championship.
The Broncos recruited heavily over the off-season with a raft of players coming in from abroad and the domestic competition. Ex Australia international Campbell-Gillard is the most high profile name, of course, but Siliva Havili and Dean Hawkins have also added NRL quality to the side from the capital.
Notably, though, Jason Demetriou has brought six players with him from the Papua New Guinea set up in the shape of Finley Glare, Robert Mathias, Alex Max, Gairo Voro, Morea Morea and Epel Kapinias.
Five of those names for a run out on Sunday in round one against Widnes Vikings with Max scoring two tries, while Mathias also got over the line. It was a performance that showcased their ability and Campbell-Gillard is backing them to make a big impact as the campaign progresses.
“They’ve been really good to be honest,” he told Serious About Rugby League. “Some of the boys have been rocking shorts and shirts, not even feeling the cold. They’re going really well.
“It’s just a matter of them being there every week, every training session and the more they’re learning, the better they’re going to get.
“Obviously the JD connection with them which helps so I’m pretty sure those boys are going to be handful.”
On the impact of Havili, Dean Hawkins and some of the other signings made from down under, he added: “[Havili’s] been good. Another leader within the group, a good voice and a very experienced football player as well.
“You have Dean and Luke Smith from the Dogs going to Perth. The Perth boys have been good. We know they’re going to Perth but they’re fully committed to the London Broncos for a whole year, making sure that we can get to that goal we’re trying to achieve.”
Check out the latest episode of The Serious About Rugby League Show on our YouTube channel here.
