Israel Eliab included in London Broncos Team announced today

London Broncos 

Papua New Guinea International and former Hunters captain, Israel Eliab has been included in the London Broncos 28 man squad for the 2016 season. Head Coach Andrew Henderson  today announced his team for the Kingstone Press Championship.

Amongst eight new faces joining the ranks, 20 players have been retained from the 2015 squad, and will be led by Captain Wes Naiqama, who has previously captained his national Fiji.

In addition to this, eight of the current squad have come through the Broncos youth system, with three stepping up out of the academy in the coming season. Ben Gray, Ben Pointer and Matt Davis will all join the first team in the 2016, after having played with the under 19s.

Alex Foster also returns to the squad, after a brief stint with the club on loan from Leeds in 2014.

Latest signing, Israel Eliab, completed the numbers ahead of 2016, and joins other newcomers Mark Ioane, Nathan Stapleton, Eddie Battye, Andy Ackers, Jack Bussey, Scott Leatherbarrow and Mark Offerdahl.

“It’s great that as a club we have been able to further progress the careers of players like Ben Gray and Ben Pointer, who both joined us in the academy, and have now stepped up into the first team,” said Head Coach Andrew Henderson.

“It demonstrates that there is a clear pathway for young guys joining the ranks, and offers great opportunities for young players coming through our youth system.

“Having also retained 20 faces from last year’s squad is a great show of the faith the boys have in the club and the direction in which we’re headed. We’re already putting in the hard yards pre-season, and will continue to do so in the new year. We’re really looking to improve on last season, and excited for a big season to come in 2016.”

The London Broncos 2016 season begins on February 7 against Oldham RLFC, and first home game is February 14 against Swinton Lions, kicking off at 3pm at Trailfinders.

London Broncos 2016 squad:

1. Ben Hellewell

2. Rhys Williams

3. Nathan Stapleton

4. Wes Naiqama (Captain)

5. Illies Macani

6. Israel Eliab

7. William Bartau

8. Nick Slyney

9. James Cunningham

10. Eddie Battye

11. Daniel Harrison (Vice Captain)

12. Matt Garside

13. Rhys Lovegrove

14. Andy Ackers

15. Jack Bussey

16. Mark Ioane

17. Mark Offerdahl

18. Jamie Thackray

19. Joe Keyes

20. Scott Leatherbarrow

21. Alex Foster

22. Matt Davis

23. Jon Magrin

24. Alex Walker

25. Toby Everett

27. Ben Pointer

28. Ben Gray

32. Elliot Kear