Watson refutes
Warriors for sale claims

The New Zealand Warriors have laughed off reports that multi millionaire owner Eric Watson is about to sell the embattled club and buy British Super League strugglers the London Broncos.

Two British newspapers have linked the wealthy London-based New Zealander to the Broncos, citing the Warriors' poor showing in the Australian NRL and his growing business interests in Britain.

But Warriors general manager Spiro Tsiros insists Watson has no plans to sell the Auckland-based club, which is fighting to avoid the NRL's wooden spoon.

"It's pretty simple ? no," was Tsiros' response yesterday.

Asked if he had spoken to Watson directly concerning the reports, Tsiros said: "All I can say is I don't have direct weekly contact with Eric but I'm in very close contact with (Warriors chief executive) Mick Watson, and the answer's just no. It's just not the case."

The Guardian and the Independent carried reports yesterday saying Watson was keen to invest in the Broncos.

Broncos chief executive Nic Cartwright is keen to talk to Watson, as the club has been without a major backer since Richard Branson's Virgin group cut its losses on rugby league in England's capital two years ago.

Only the continued support of chairman David Hughes, a trader on the gas exchange, has kept the Broncos afloat since Virgin's departure.

"We're always in the market for new investors, provided they are of the right calibre, and Eric would fit the profile perfectly," Cartwright said.

"He's been to a couple of our games and he obviously loves his league. We know him, we know he's in London, and I gather he's got a bit of money. We'd love to hear from him."

London have flirted with relegation but consecutive wins over Wigan, Widnes and St Helens in recent weeks looks to have secured their place in the Super League next season.