LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
The London Broncos are arguably the only rugby league team in Britain to face relegation before the commencement of a season.
For long-time supporter Gavin Willacy, this situation is both painful and bittersweet.
He recently witnessed his beloved team of part-time players achieve promotion to the top-tier English Super League, only for a new grading system to classify the club as commercially unviable before the start of the 2024 season.
"It meant we would get relegated out of Super League before it even started, so we started the season knowing it was an eight-month adventure," he shared.
This setback isn't new for Willacy, who has experienced numerous demotions, ownership issues, player losses, and financial crises over his 25 years as a fan.
Despite these challenges, he now feels a sense of optimism.
In September, former Brisbane Broncos star Darren Lockyer and his business partner Grant Wechsel acquired a 90 percent stake in the London Broncos.
Their goal is to elevate the London team from the second-tier Championship and return it to the Super League.