Lewis Bienek backs London Broncos to join Championship play-off push

London Broncos are capable of pushing for a top six finish in the Championship this season, according to prop Lewis Bienek.

Last season, the Broncos finished fourth bottom in the Championship. They won just eight of their 27 league fixtures. 

Encouragingly, six of those wins came in the last 11 games as the team’s form began to pick up in the closing months of that campaign. 

Ireland international Bienek is hoping his side can build on that momentum as they head towards another year in the second tier. 

“We had a good lengthy pre-season, got a lot of bodies back now,” said the former Hull and Castleford forward. “Things have gone well, no injuries.

“I think our aim is no less than finishing in that top six. Our main goal is definitely to get to those later rounds and push for promotion. 

“Carrying on from last year, we’ve kept a good core of the members that were there. At the start of this year, we’ve added some quality players as well. I think the squad is looking a lot tighter and more together than it did at the start of last year. 

“I think we should get off to a good start.”

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Lewis Bienek: Money isn’t everything

London open their campaign against the Batley on Sunday. The Bulldogs enjoyed a historic run to the Grand Final last season.

The Broncos are likely to face stiff competition if they are to challenge for a potential play-off spot, considering many teams vying for promotion have flexed their financial muscles. 

London have also been bold with their recruitment in the off-season, with Papua New Guinea international Emmanuel Waine being their latest addition. 

“I don’t think personally that money is the be all and end all,” said Bienek when asked about Championship rivals spending big. 

“A lot of the time it’s about having a together group, a good system of players; and a good dynamic of how a team can perform. 

“I think it’s good that more money is being spent, people are coming in. But that’s not always the main decider of that team’s performance.”

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