Debut for MBU

Leeds' coach Darryl Powell has called back Tommy Gallagher to play in the Rhinos Senior Academy side, while London now benefit from the earlier than expected return to the capital for Joe Mbu.

The Broncos only last week signed 19 year old Joe to a full time contract for 2004 and it was expected that he would continue to serve his one year loan with Leeds.

But given the current state of injuries in the team and the present workload, Mbu will now make his debut at Headingley on Friday.

Joe, a back utility back rower became the first Broncos signing for 2004, joined the Broncos from London Skolars as a 16 yr old in 2000.

Nic Cartwright, Chief Executive said today: "Joe is a top class athlete, and one of the nicest people you could ever wish to meet.

He wasn't expecting to join his London team mates until pre season training for next year but this comes as a welcome surprise for all of us."

Rea has included Mbu in his team for Friday night's clash with the Rhinos and Joe will make his debut against the club he was playing for just last weekend.

Dennis Moran was carried from the field on Tuesday after suffering an upper leg injury but Rea has included the number seven in an eighteen-man squad that will depart from London today.

Back rower Andrew Hamilton will make a return after a broken arm sustained back in round 13.

Friday's game will be the Broncos third in just seven days but coach Tony Rea insists that his players will be fit and ready for the challenge: We've only had a day or so to prepare for this game but it's been quality and the players are excited about the trip to Headingley."

London will play their fourth game twelve days when they face Bradford Bulls next Wednesday night at Griffin Park (8pm), and then their fifth game in sixteen days with St Helens arriving in the capital on Sunday 3rd August.

Friday's game is live on Sky Sports and Broncos fans can also listen to live web commentary through www.londonbroncos.co.uk courtesy of BBC London 94.9fm.

Team as follows:

Nigel Roy, Paul Sykes, Rob Jackson, Tony Martin, Andrew King, Rob Purdham, Chris Thorman, Russell Bawden, Neil Budworth, Richard Marshall, Steele Retchless, Bill Peden, Jim Dymock: Subs: Andrew Hamilton, Joe Mbu, Damian Kennedy, Francis Stephenson, (Dennis Moran)

For discounted match tickets to see London play the Bulls or St Helens book in advance- Call 0871 222 1657.