London Broncos Team news

TEAM IN TOP SHAPE AS CAPTAIN PENS NEW TWO-YEAR DEAL

London Broncos will go into Sunday's home game against Wakefield in a buoyant mood with the re-signing today of club captain Mat Toshack.

Unlike a number of other teams involved in the Tetley's Super League play off race, the Broncos are masters of their own destiny, already sitting in sixth position (the qualifying mark for the play offs).

There's a very positive vibe about the club and the signature of Toshack, along with that of Mbu, Dymock, Moran and Brentford FC in recent weeks, is another timely boost.

The back rower has agreed to a new two-year deal that will keep him at Griffin Park until at least 2005.

Now in his sixth season with London, Mat joined the club in 1998 and is set to play his 150th game in round 28 this year. Of his new deal he said: "It's a great club and I love living here in London."

Going to training every day is a pleasure and I'm lucky be doing something I love as a profession. It's a very solid group of players and we are all very supportive of each other."

We share collective goals and we enjoy actually getting out there and achieving these goals together."

I've missed a fair chunk of the season when I broke my leg but now with a few games under my belt I'm feeling good."

It's a good time for the club right now and for me. I'm delighted to have confirmed this new deal."

On the injury front Richard Marshall hopes to be available in about three weeks (foot surgery), Rob Jackson (broken ankle), despite stories to the contrary, will not return before round 28, Steve Hall (groin) is back in full training, and Tommy Haughey (knee reconstruction) is almost back to full training and could even be available for post season representative duties for Scotland.

Back this week to face the Wildcats will be Chris Thorman (virus) and Joe Mbu (rested last week) and they have both been included on a six-man bench.

On Sunday Steele Retchless will become the club's longest serving player. It will be his 172nd appearance for London Broncos, one more than the record previously held by Steve Rosolen.

London drew 26-26 when they last played Wakefield. London won the former contest at Belle Vue in May 12-36.

In other news the Broncos have officially released Season Tickets for the 2004 season at Griffin Park and once again a full adult season ticket will start at just ?99 and junior season tickets (including membership) will cost just ?30!

Call 0871 222 1132 to book your 2004 season ticket or do it online - www.londonbroncos.co.uk and save a further ?5.

Team:

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

London meet Wakefield this Sunday at 3pm at Griffin Park