Broncos proud of Thorman's NRL
move

London Broncos' Chris Thorman has today confirmed that he has signed a one-year deal with Parramatta Eels in the NRL for next season.

It's a big step for Chris who recently was named in David Waite's 28-man GB squad, and the Broncos, while sorry to be losing such a talented player, are full of pride for the 22 year old scrum half.

Chris joined London Broncos at the close of 2001 and was immediately loaned to Huddersfield Giants for a twelve-month period where he played a leading role in gaining promotion for Tony Smith's relegated Giants outfit.

Broncos coach Tony Rea, who is preparing for the visit by Tetley's Super League Champions, St Helens on Sunday, is happy for Chris: "I hope he gets out there and does us proud.

We've put a lot of work into Chris and it says a lot for the systems we have in place that he has been able make such rapid progress in the past twelve months."

Chris remains an important part of our unit right now and I know he will give us his very best service over the remaining course of this season."

Broncos CEO, Nic Cartwright, acknowledges that his club did want to keep Chris but understands this is a great opportunity for him: "We certainly wanted to keep Chris with us and watch him further develop as a London Bronco.

I'm not looking through rose coloured glasses when I say that this loss, and that of Tony Martin, reflects well on our club."

I know our fans will be sorry to lose both of these quality players, but I believe our players being targeted by NRL clubs reflects well on the systems and staff we have in place here in London."

Young British talent dominates our team these days when once upon a time it was a case of us attracting players from the NRL. Now it seems that trend is reversing."

Tony Rea will take stock of his players today and is not likely to name a team to face St Helens for Sunday's Griffin Park game until tomorrow afternoon.

Kick off is at 3pm on Sunday. Discounted tickets can be bought in advance on 0871 222 1657 up until 9pm Saturday.

The game against St Helens will be the Broncos fifth game in 16 days