The beginning of a new era at the London Broncos, as they welcome the Widnes Vikings to Plough Lane.

A new stadium, new manager, and newly part-time. There have been some serious changes at the London Broncos, but they will hope a move to the Cherry Red Records Stadium will inspire progression on and off the field.

Three years ago, London Broncos were preparing for their Super League season, following a dramatic victory in the last ever ‘million-pound game’. In the season that would follow, the Broncos picked up 10 victories from their 29 games but were agonisingly relegated on points difference.

2020 arrived and saw an impressive start of 4-1 for the Londoners, but sadly the COVID pandemic liquidated what looked to be the making of a promising season.

Head into 2021, and teams were all attempting to adjust to the challenging circumstances of playing in the midst of the pandemic, whilst also dealing with the financial consequences of COVID. Perhaps there was no figurative ‘price’ paid more in the Championship than that of London Broncos, who were already reeling from an instant return to the second tier. Of course, promotion comes at a cost, and the timing of London’s promotion, relegation and the pandemic was just all wrong.

London would still go on to have a decent season, but ultimately missed out on the playoffs with a final day defeat at York City Knights, losing out to Whitehaven. Add this to low attendances upon fans’ return, and the current situation just wasn’t sustainable for the Broncos.

As such, the club were forced to revert back to part-time status, and whilst this has been initially listed as ‘temporary’ by the club, performances on the field and crowds at the new venue will surely play a huge part in determining just how ‘temporary’ the alteration really is.

Of course, a switch to the brand new Cherry Red Records Stadium, home of AFC Wimbledon will go a great distance into increasing the potential of the club. Whilst the Ealing Trailfinders Sports Ground definitely served a purpose, it was clear that the facilities were not at the standard to build the club around, and the venue certainly looked out of place in the Super League.

That being said, with crowds of 200 at some Championship games last season, there is a possibility that all Plough Lane will facilitate is more empty seats.

However, there has been a huge push for Rugby League in London in the build-up to this season, and a London derby between the Broncos and Skolars was scheduled for the 14th January to promote the game in the city but was subsequently postponed.

There is a hope that the increased coverage of the game and a brand new stadium with a good capacity will bring the numbers to the Broncos. Whilst there is no doubt that away fans traveling from the heartland will relish the trip, and clubs like Bradford, Featherstone, Leigh and Widnes will all likely bring good numbers, it remains to be seen whether the capital will buy into the project.

In 2019 (pre-COVID), the average attendance in the Championship was 2,645 – If the Broncos could get close to that, the switch would surely be seen as an initial success and a step in the right direction.

2022 sees a new coach and a new squad as well as new surroundings, with 14 new additions, many of whom are making the step up from League One. Jamaica Head Coach Jermaine Coleman joined in the Summer as the new first-team head coach. Drafted straight from the London Skolars, the links between the two clubs will be clear, and Coleman will look to bring the best Skolars talent to the Cherry Red Records Stadium. Furthermore, it is a young-looking Broncos side, which prospects a challenging season ahead, but one that could prove an exciting one for fans.

The new era begins against Widnes Vikings, who themselves will be desperate to make a return to the playoffs. With teams such as Featherstone, Bradford Bulls, and Leigh Centurions in the mix, a return to the Super League is certainly not going to be straightforward.

New signings for the Vikings for 2022 include Sam Wilde, Aaron Brown, and former London Bronco Matty Fozard.

Widnes have struggled since their relegation in 2018, and are finding that the financial prowess of teams around them could leave them in the wake in the Championship.

This season will be an excellent stick in the water to determine where the Vikings are at, and how close they are to challenging for promotion again.

Due to a number of COVID-based postponements, teams were unable to fulfill their full 26 regulation Championship matches, and consequently only played some opponents once. One of those instances was between these two sides, who only met at the DCBL Halton Stadium. On that occasion, London emerged victorious with a dramatic late try from Titus Gwaze.

This opening game will be a perfect indicator for both sides about realistic expectations for the season ahead, and as such both sides will aim to set the correct precedent.