The Rugby Football League have moved to explain why London Broncos’ Jack Croft was able to play in this weekend’s match against Widnes Vikings, despite the former Wakefield Trinity man seemingly being banned for the game.
London won 42-36 in what was their closest match of the Championship season with Widnes falling just short in their fightback, though the game has certainly whetted the appetite for the 1895 Cup Final between these sides at the end of the month.
That game is currently in danger with Widnes threatening to pull out on account of scheduling and there now be even more bad blood between the sides as it has been explained why London Broncos were able to play Jack Croft.
Croft had picked up a three-match ban for making contact with an injured or potentially injured player in the July 19th win over Salford. As such, he should have served the first game of his three-match ban in the win over Widnes, just as the Vikings’ Jack Owens did after also receiving a ban that same weekend.
That didn’t happen though with Croft named to the Broncos’ starting XIII and questions quickly arose on social media as to why London were able to name the former Wakefield man.
London Broncos cleared of wrongdoing as RFL escape Jack Croft situation
The RFL have now offered an explanation with London having successfully appealed against the ban due to ‘procedural irregularity’.
An RFL statement shared to Serious About Rugby League said: “The matter wasn’t reviewed at the original Match Review Panel as the referee’s report had not been received in time.
“When reviewed, a charge was made but London appealed that decision and were successful on the grounds of a procedural irregularity.
“Therefore, the penalty notice will not be enforced.”
It’s likely not an explanation that will satisfy Widnes fans, who will rightly feel that in a game as close as Sunday’s, a player of Croft’s significance could have been the difference between defeat and victory.
It also means that Croft will be available for London’s next two matches against Goole Vikings and Oldham. Croft joined Loncon ahead of the 2026 season after spending the majority of his career at Wakefield Trinity.
2 points secured. #wearelondon #relentlesspursuit pic.twitter.com/XyebFtNwaI
— London Broncos (@LondonBroncosRL) August 2, 2026
