A dozen more 'hits' Steele gets the
award

At the most recent home game for London Broncos Steele Retchless became the most capped London player of all time.

On Sunday, when London attempt to play their way into the club's first ever Play-Off campaign, Steele will attempt another record.

Renown as a defensive workhorse, it's little surprise that he is close to the top of the 'most tries in Super League' chart. Up until two weeks ago he was leading the race.

But now, with just one game to play in the regular season, London's ever-present forward is eleven tackles adrift of his former Broncos teammate, Shane Millard.

Retchless and Millard are good mates, having packed down as the 'bruise brothers' in the Broncos back row from 1998 through 2001.

According to Opta Stats, Millard has made 831 tackles this season and Retchless has made 820. The man with the highest tally come Sunday afternoon will be crowned 'Super League Hitman' at the Man of Steel Awards on Monday 13th October.

So for Retchless to be invited to his namesake event, he must make a dozen more tackles on Sunday against Huddersfield than Millard makes for the Vikings against Halifax. And given that Halifax have the worst 'offence' in Super League, Millard may have trouble finding his mark.

Steele said: "We'll just see what happens. I won't be making a conscious effort to make extra tackles."

It's a natural part of my game and I'm sure I'll make my average number on Sunday. To be honest, I would much prefer that we control the ball and control the game."

What odds Retchless makes the first tackle of the match for London?

Steele on Sunday will also welcome another long-time team-mate to the exclusive '150 Club' when Mat Toshack runs out for his 150th game for the Broncos.

There are only six members of the prestigious 'London 150 Club'. The 150 Club President is Steele Retchless who has now played 173 games, and other Members include Steve Rosolen (171), Hussain M'Barki (163), Tony Kinsey(156), Darryl Pitt (154), and current player performance manager, Dave Rotheram (150).

If London win against the Giants they will finish in fifth position and book a date with St Helens in week one of the Tetley's Super League Play-Offs next Friday.

Tony Rea is not looking that far ahead: "We're in good shape. We've prepared very well for Sunday and that's what counts."

This is another opportunity for us to perform well and it's a great opportunity for rugby league in London."

Dennis Moran, last year's leading try scorer who is a likely candidate for the Man of Steel Award, is almost certain to wrap up the leading try scorers' award on Sunday.

His tally of 23 is three tries clear of his nearest rival this season and it has equalled London Broncos' Super League record held by Greg Fleming who scored 23 in 1999. The record number of tries scored in one season in Super League belongs to Paul Newlove (28) set in 1996.

Dennis said: "It would be nice to go pass Flemo."

Rea has named the same team that held Widnes scoreless last week with the addition of Neil Budoworth, who comes back from illness, on a six man bench.

Team as follows:

Sykes, Caine, Roy, Martin, King, Thorman, Moran, Bawden, Peden, Stephenson, Toshack, Retchless, Dymock: Budworth, Hamilton, Trindall, Mc Connell, Mbu, Purdham, (two to be omitted)

Book tickets to this game in advance and save. Kids tickets start at ?3 and adults just ?10 when booked in advance. Call 0871 222 1657.

Kick off at Griffin Park this Sunday is 3pm.

London Broncos RLFC Press Office Direct Line: 020 8897 5383 Mobile: 07990 573 089 www.londonbroncos.co.uk