“Important” for London Broncos to have a big presence in the Championship

Lewis Bienek believes it’s important for London Broncos to impress in the Championship considering they’re the only team representing the capital in rugby league’s top two divisions. 

London kick off their 2023 Championship campaign on Sunday against Batley. 

After finishing fourth-bottom last season, the team from the capital are intent on having a better campaign and possibly even challenge for the play-offs. 

“We’re one of two clubs down here in that professional aspect, so I think it’s really important we have a good showing,” Bienek told Love Rugby League. 

“I think we’ve got a good youth set up and pathways. We’re the only pathway for young people that want to get into rugby league down south.

“I think it’s hugely important that we’re at the forefront of rugby league and rugby people’s minds of what’s going on down here.”

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London Broncos providing a pathway for southern-based players

Bienek progressed through London’s scholarship and academy before breaking into the first team. 

When asked whether the sport has grown in London during his time with the Broncos, he said: “If you look at the squad we have this year and the percentage of homegrown players that we have, and people that have gone through the system, it shows we have got quality and good pathways.

“Also, if you look throughout the years at people who have gone on to play in the Super League and other places, it shows there is quality down in London. Broncos are the only team to give those pathways for people coming through.”

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Lewis Bienek “learned a lot” from Castleford spell

The 24-year-old returned to London in October 2021 following a season at Castleford. 

Looking back at his time in West Yorkshire, Bienek said: “It was a really good experience, and they were a good set of lads.

“I certainly learned a lot from a lot of good players there. I’ve been able to take that through when I’ve come back to London. 

“It was a good experience and a lot of good learning. I really enjoyed my time up north, but it was time to come back home.”

During his time at the Jungle, Bienek worked with current Warrington chief Daryl Powell. When asked whether he enjoyed working with the ex-Tigers boss, he said: “Certainly. He’s a great attacking coach. 

“I learned a lot of ball playing, a lot of positional stuff. It was a great part of my career to train under him.”

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