Wigan Warriors’ Chief Executive Officer, Kris Radlinski, has raised concerns about the lack of strategic support for the London Broncos in Super League. Speaking on The Eddie and Stevo Podcast with host Eddie Hemmings, Radlinski highlighted the disparity in support between the London Broncos and the Catalans Dragons, a team that has seen significant success since joining Super League.
Catalans Dragons are often cited as one of Super League’s greatest expansion successes. Since their inclusion, they have won a Challenge Cup and reached the Grand Final twice, establishing themselves as one of the league’s elite teams. Radlinski and Hemmings attribute this success to the support Catalans received during their formative years in the league, including a crucial three-year protection period from relegation.
In contrast, the London Broncos have struggled to find their footing. Despite being part of Super League for almost as long as Catalans, they have failed to secure a stable position in the top tier, with their last consecutive seasons in Super League dating back to 2013 and 2014. Radlinski criticized the lack of a similar support strategy for the Broncos, questioning why greater emphasis was not placed on ensuring their success.
Radlinski emphasized the importance of protecting clubs like the London Broncos to foster growth and stability in the league. He remarked, “It doesn’t appear to have been thought through from the London point of view, which is surprising when you look at it as a key priority. France, the women’s game, and London were the three. Why greater emphasis has not been put on what we do with London is it needs answering, to be honest.”
With the introduction of IMG grading, which will determine the composition of Super League in 2025, the London Broncos face the threat of relegation due to their off-field performance, ranked 24th in the preliminary grades announced last year. Radlinski argued that relegating the Broncos for off-field reasons would send a negative message about the league’s priorities and commitment to expanding the sport.
As the Super League prepares for the future, Radlinski’s comments call for a reevaluation of how expansion teams are supported and integrated. Ensuring that clubs like the London Broncos receive adequate support could be crucial for the overall growth and success of rugby league.
