LONDON Broncos have signed a number of players up to the 2018 season, with stand-off Api Pewhairangi and young talent Kameron Pearce-Paul being the latest to sign up to the capital club.
The 25 year old Pewhairangi has so far played 33 times for London, scoring 22 tries and 38 goals in the 18 months he has been at the club.
He said on his new contract extension: “I’m very happy to be staying. Obviously we fell short this year, and I’ve always had a personal goal for myself, I believe that London can get back to Super League, and I want to be here when that happens.
“I’ve played some good footy here the last couple of seasons, and I really want to knuckle down and own my position in the team, and help lead this team into the tough Championship competition next year.
“We’ll have to do the hard work, go back to the drawing board and see where we went wrong this season. No doubt we’ll have a hard pre-season, and we’ll be getting ready for the upcoming Championship season. There’ll be some very strong teams next year, it’s going to be better for the competition and better for the game, and it’ll be a lot more competitive.
“Barthau is a big loss for us, but I’m going to take that as an opportunity to establish myself with Jazz (Sammut). Five-eighth is my preferred position, and I want to own it next year. I want to work on what I’m good at, and help the team to achieve what we set out to achieve.”
London boss, Andrew Henderson commented on Pewhairangi’s new deal: “Api made an immediate impact when he first joined the club in 2016 and soon became a fan favourite. He has a strong running game, and the ability to unlock defences with his footwork and can sniff out a try. He has a decent skill set but still has a lot more improvement in him, and I can only see him getting better.
“His utility value was shown at the back end of the season playing in the centres – though it’s not his preferred position, he did a fantastic job for us there.
“There were a few things stalling this deal, but I’m really pleased we have finally been able to retain him. With Barthau departing, it was even more important we had some continuity with our pivots. I did offer Api to stay before we learnt of Barthau leaving, to give us three strong options.
“He has improved, and will continue to in his time with the Broncos, and it will be good for him to get a pre-season under his belt. I look forward to seeing him represent Ireland at the World Cup and gaining some valuable experience to bring back to the team.”
Meanwhile Pearce-Paul has also signed a new one year deal at the Broncos, the talented 20 year old has spent time out on loan at Oldham last season.
Pearce-Paul about his new deal: “I am immensely proud of the fact that I get to play another year for my home club. I’m proud of London everytime I pull on a shirt and that was one of the main reasons that I was happy to sign again.
“I want to be part of a journey that ends in SuperLeague and that will see London Broncos back at the top table of Rugby League where they belong.”
Head coach Andrew Henderson added: “I am really pleased to be able to retain Kameron. He’s another one of those players that have come through the youth system having been here since scholarship age.
“We have really seen him progress and he showed last season, in the Super 8s, what he is capable of and he really impressed in those games. He had a limited amount of game time this season but he is on a developmental path here and the loan move to Oldham will have served him in very good stead moving forward.
“There is a lot more growth, development and potential within him and with his skills he will bring a lot more competition for places as he can play at full back, centre and on the wing but for me the main thing is that London Broncos have brought through and retained yet another young talented Londoner.”
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