London Broncos sign trio of players as Championship side look to avoid relegation

London Broncos have brought in three players to boost their hopes of pulling clear of Championship relegation danger.

Australian and former NRL player Brandon Webster-Mansfield has joined on an 18-month deal from Villefranche XIII Averyon in the French Elite XIII competition.

The 24-year-old has previously spent three years in the NRL with Wests Tigers, along with a year with South Sydney Rabbitohs.

His move is subject to receiving a visa, but he’s expected to be available to play against Toulouse Olympique in two weeks’ time.

On joining the club, he spoke to London’s media team and said: “I’m really excited to announce that I’m joining the Broncos! I’m really keen to move over there and meet all the boys and train with everyone.

“I’m really excited to announce that I’m joining the Broncos! I’m really keen to move over there and meet all the boys and train with everyone.

Two Super League youngsters also join Championship side London Broncos

London Broncos have also completed the signings of two loanees from Super League clubs.

Twenty-year-old Leeds Rhinos outside-back Jack Smith and Wigan Warriors loose-forward/hooker Kalum Rathbone, 19, have been named in London’s initial 21-man squad for their home Betfred Championship fixture against Widnes Vikings on Saturday.

Smith has not played a first-team game for Rhinos, but featured three times for Halifax Panthers last year on dual-registration and twice as a loan player with Bradford Bulls.

A former Featherstone Lions junior, he joined the Rhinos’ scholarship in 2020 and has progressed through the under-18s and reserves, as well as playing for England at academy level.

Smith remains a Rhinos player, and sporting director Ian Blease said: “We are giving him an opportunity to go and gain some experience with London.”

The Broncos, who are second from bottom in the second tier, have also taken Wigan Warriors youngster Kalum Rathbone on a similar short-term arrangement.

The 19-year-old loose-forward or hooker played his amateur rugby for Leigh Miners before joining Wigan’s academy in 2022.