Salford's New Era Begins with Cup Win as London Broncos Flex Financial Muscle
A tale of two cities unfolded in rugby league this weekend, with Salford's phoenix club securing a hard-fought Challenge Cup victory while London Broncos demonstrated their considerable financial clout with a crushing win. Both clubs are competing in the Championship this season, but their paths could not be more different—one operating on a shoestring budget, the other backed by significant investment.
Salford's Uphill Battle Against Hammersmith Hills Hoists
To reach their Challenge Cup tie on Saturday, Salford fans navigated a dark, winding road to Chiswick Rugby—a fitting metaphor for their tumultuous past year. Just months ago, Salford's Super League tenure ended in chaos, while Hammersmith Hills Hoists were celebrating their Southern Conference championship. Formed by Australian backpackers two decades ago and humorously nicknamed after a washing line, Hammersmith had never experienced an atmosphere like Saturday night, with around two hundred Salford supporters in red and white creating a vibrant, drum-beating spectacle.
Many neutrals anticipated a potential giant-killing, especially after Hammersmith's burly forward Callum Corey gave them an early lead. However, veteran hooker Brad Dwyer—the sole well-known Salford player—steadied the ship, guiding his team to a comfortable 42-10 victory. Dwyer, with 250 Super League appearances, is a notable outlier in a squad where he is a decade older than nearly every other member. The bulk of the team consists of former reserve or academy players from the old club, with only six remaining from the seventy-two who featured in Super League last year.
Rebuilding from the Ground Up
Ryan Brierley, the full-back from last season's starting lineup, now serves as chief executive—a role that is somewhat misleading, given he is one of only three non-rugby staff members. A lifelong Salford fan who cheered at the 2019 Super League grand final, Brierley now captains a sinking ship that has been resurrected. He admitted that Dwyer's stay might be temporary, acknowledging his Super League calibre and part-time contract that allows property management off the field. "If a Super League club comes in, I'll do the right thing and let him go," Brierley stated.
Co-owner Mason Caton-Brown, a former Red Devils winger, outlined his primary aims for the year: paying everyone on time and ensuring home games are "busy and fun." Their upcoming third-round tie against Hull FC promises to deliver just that. Brierley emphasised the need to manage expectations, saying, "It's not going to happen overnight. We just need to make sure we do things right, building the foundations from the ground up."
A Disparate Squad with Heart
Coach Mike Grady faces a challenging recruitment landscape, with a high turnover of players expected in the opening weeks. The squad is a mix of highly-rated talents like goal-kicking winger Sam Hill and experienced centre Joe Hartley, alongside teenagers, loan players from Widnes and Midlands Hurricanes, and signings from clubs like Hull FC, St Helens, and Whitehaven. Brierley explained the difficulties, noting that the late December decision for the RFL licence left few players available, forcing patience in recruitment.
Despite the challenges, Salford's fans remain fiercely loyal. One retired couple, long-time supporters, expressed gratitude simply for having a team to watch weekly, though they'll miss trips like Catalans away. Players like forward Leunbou Bardyel Wells, who juggles rugby with a software engineering degree, embody the club's spirit. "I'm just so happy to be here," Wells said, describing the terror of the club's liquidation and the joy of its revival. His commitment is unwavering, despite gruelling travel from Northampton to Manchester for training.
Rafael van Osselaer, a Belgium Under-18 union international raised in Northwich, has also impressed with exciting bursts from full-back. "It's incredible—I'm loving it," he shared, highlighting the joy of playing before smiling, happy fans.
London Broncos' Financial Power Play
In stark contrast, London Broncos supporters are familiar with the turmoil Salford has endured, having faced similar threats of folding, including a perilous close call last winter. Their Challenge Cup weekend saw a sweeping 86-0 victory over amateur side Wests Warriors at Richmond—the first London derby featuring a professional team in ninety years. Like Salford, London fielded only three players from last season, but their rebirth is financed by new owners: mining magnate Grant Weschel and Brisbane Broncos legend Darren Lockyer.
London have signed ten overseas players, all internationals or from the NRL, seven of whom featured in their dominant win. While Salford have transitioned from every game being live on Sky to Saturday's match not even receiving radio coverage, London's opening Championship win over Widnes has attracted over 100,000 online views, many from Papua New Guinea fans following their heroes.
Contrasting Expectations and Budgets
Brierley asserts that Salford have the lowest budget in the Championship, whereas London are clearly spending more than the £1 million typically needed to secure a grand final place. New London coach Jason Demetriou expects his team to evolve significantly this spring, acknowledging the challenge ahead. "There's a level of expectation as a London Bronco, and I expect the players to meet those expectations every week," he said. "It's not going to be the walk in the park that people think."
Demetriou, with titles won at Keighley, Northern Pride, and Illawarra Steelers, is under pressure to deliver silverware. Yet, he notes a "real energy about the place," a sentiment that equally applies to Salford's plucky, thrown-together squad. As both clubs navigate the Championship, their divergent journeys—one built on financial muscle, the other on heart and resilience—promise to make this season a compelling narrative of rugby league's enduring spirit.
