Super League signing on his major battle after fourth transfer in as many years

Ex-London Broncos star Josh Rourke has spoken on his willingness to play in any position as he bids to tie down a Super League role after signing for his fourth team in four years.

Rourke has signed with Wakefield Trinity for the 2025 campaign after impressing for the capital’s side in 2024. An injury in pre-season saw him miss four months of the season but when he returned, he was electric and London’s performances saw a notable improvement.

In the dozen appearances that he made, he scored eight tries and his ability under the high ball saw him gain huge plaudits and this move to Wakefield Trinity.

Speaking to BBC West Yorkshire Sport, he spoke about the process of joining a new team, something he’s done plenty in recent years.

The 25-year-old explained: “It’s a familiar thing, this is my fourth club in four years so I’m hoping that this is the one for the future and I can settle in and kick on.

“There’s ten new players coming into the club which is quite a big turnover. There are a lot of young lads coming in as well so I think everyone is trying to impress.

“One of the things this year is making everything competitive because we all want to be playing in the team and putting our best foot forward. Healthy competition can only be a good thing.”

Former London Broncos man on positional battle against record-breaker

The competition for Rourke is tougher than most though with the ex-Salford man having to compete with Max Jowitt for the role at full-back. Jowitt earned the title of Championship Player of the Year in 2024 so Rourke faces some task to dislodge him and earn a start at full-back.

Jowitt also scored 500 points, breaking a 67-year-old World Record for the most points in a season, showcasing his dominance in the second tier.

Now back in Super League, he and Rourke will compete with the ex-London man very aware of the level of competition that he faces.

Rourke said: “Max broke the world record (most points in a season) last year so he’s incredibly good. I’m still quite early in my development because of Covid when I missed out on some crucial years. I’ve only played 13 games in Super League and 27 in the Champ so it’s just learning all the time.

“I’m constantly learning off the coaches in Daryl, Shenton and Danny Kirmond so I’m picking stuff up off them and then off Max as well. He’s obviously played a lot more games professionally than I have and I think that’s healthy competition.

“We’ll both be working hard and if it means that I have to play in a different position to get into the team then I’m more than happy to do that.”

He also confirmed that he’d be willing to play in an array of positions in a bid to earn a spot in the side, explaining that he’d formerly played in the halves or at hooker.

“Coming through at Widnes, I started off playing half and then I moved to hooker,” Rourke confirmed.

“I don’t think I’ve got the build to play in the middle these days but I’m happy to play different positions. Anywhere across the back line, I’m pretty comfortable and I’m happy to learn.”

One thing that the former London Broncos man is certain about is that Wakefield Trinity is a club that he can develop at and kick on with as they return to Super League.

“Looking at a club like Wakefield and you look around the place and the developments in the stadium. They’re a club that is definitely aiming for the top and I think this will only improve my development.