Wells back as Broncos Budworth
extends deal

London Broncos will go into Thursday night's home game against Wakefield with news that young hooker Neil Budworth has extended his contract for another two seasons, and that the exciting Jon Wells will make a welcome return.

Wells has been sidelined with a hamstring injury, sustained against Wakefield four weeks ago, but has run very well in training and can't wait to have another shot at his former club: "I've done all I can to get back on the pitch and it feels really good in training.

There has been very good intensity this week and that augers well. Obviously it would be nice to beat them (Wildcats) and I know that we can."

Budworth first joined London on loan in 2002 from Wigan before penning a two-year deal taking him into the current season. He was last season named Broncos Young Player of the Year and appeared in all but one game and his new deal includes 2005 and 2006.

Neil commented: I'm very pleased to have extended my stay. Since joining London when I was an understudy to Jason (Hetherington) I have been made to feel very welcome, and I know my game has improved from being here."

I'm well settled here now and I'm really enjoying my football and the people we have here at the club. We have a lot of confidence in each other and I know that we can improve immensely as a unit as the season progresses."

Our form at home hasn't been brilliant, but we are trying very, very hard to get it right. Thursday is another chance to show what we can do as a team, and as individuals."

Whilst Wells returns, Mark O'Halloran is the latest Broncos player to be added to the long-term injury list. A broken hand will see him out for six weeks, joining the likes of Mat Toshack, Rob Purdham, Frances Stephenson, Rob Jackson, Lee Sanderson and Jon Kirkpatrick.

Wakefield will join Salford City Reds in playing both a Cup and League game at Griffin Park in the space of one month. London defeated the Reds on both occasions, however, after London's progression to the fifth round of the Challenge Cup, Wakefield then defeated London 10-29.

Kick off on Thursday is 8pm.

Team as follows:

Paul Sykes, Lee Greenwood, Nigel Roy, Andy McNally, Jon Wells, Jim Dymock, Dennis Moran, Steve Trindall, Neil Budworth, Mitch Stringer, Steele Retchless, Andrew Brocklehurst, Andrew Hart

Substitutes: Tommy Haughey, Dave Highton, Joe Mbu, Scott Murrell

Tickets to the Wakefield game can be bought through the ticket office (0871 222 1657), online at www.londonbroncos.co.uk or at the game on the day. All adult advance tickets attract a ?2 discount.

London's home game against Bradford Bulls on Monday 3rd May will now kick off at 12.35pm. It was scheduled to kick off at 8pm.

London's away game at Castleford, which was scheduled to be played Monday 12th April, will now be played on Tuesday 13th April at 8pm. Both of these fixtures will be televised on Sky Sports.