London Broncos to share with AFC Wimbledon as they look to get back in Super League
LONDON Broncos will move into AFC Wimbledon's Plough Lane home.
And the League One side is open to them coming into the 9,300-seater stadium.
London is one of six sides in the running to replace Toronto Wolfpack in the top flight.
Now SunSport has learned they will up sticks from their current Ealing base and move to the Dons' new home for 10 years if they get the nod at noon tomorrow.
Leigh Centurions are believed to have emerged as an attractive option to the independent seven-man panel.
Their stadium, squad strength and finances are thought to all stack up, while York’s off-field infrastructure raises questions, despite a brand new ground and ‘heartland expansion’ tag.
Toulouse would be attractive in a normal year but Covid-19 may play a part, as may the fact sponsors Betfred cannot advertise in France. It is also believed there is as yet no indication of a new French TV deal on the back of them being promoted.
Bradford's fan base is undeniable and it would bring back West Yorkshire derbies with Leeds Rhinos.
But promoting the Bulls, who have technically only been in existence since 2017 after the last incarnation went under, would cause a huge reaction – plus their proposed Odsal home is believed to not currently have a safety certificate.
Featherstone have made a point of making it clear they own their own ground, which they have improved massively. However, they are in the borough of Wakefield, which is already home to Trinity and Castleford.
SunSport understands all six applications are ‘miles better’ than Toronto's, which was voted down by the other 11 clubs, Super League’s board and the Rugby Football League 8-4 with one abstention.
London were in Super League last year and would give the competition capital exposure - and a deal with AFC Wimbledon based on them being promoted is said to be close to being finalised.
The Dons Trust, which owns the stadium, is currently conducting a 'temperature test' to gauge the mood on the move.
In a document seen by SunSport, chief executive Joe Palmer states: "We have an offer on the table from the London Broncos rugby league team which, from a purely financial point of view, would mean increased long-term financial security for us and the ability to service our debt whilst also supporting the playing squad budget.
"I'm conscious we keep asking our fans to support the club financially — and am always immensely grateful for the support you offer — but our longer-term aim as a club has to be to become more self-sustaining.
"As such we are looking to maximise revenue in and around the stadium, and this will undoubtedly help significantly.
"It is therefore important to us to gauge your views, and we are conducting a simple 'temperature test' to guide us before we proceed or reject the offer."
London have a supporter in Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook, who is targeting further capital gain after winning the Super League title.
The St Helens ace was born and bred in the capital and came through at the Broncos, alongside fellow Grand Finalist Wigan’s Tony Clubb.
Others to have emerged from the ranks include Castleford’s Mike McMeeken and Salford’s Dan Sarginson, who both played for England, and Warrington’s Matt Davis and Wolves new boy Rob Butler.
And McCarthy-Scarsbrook hopes he has reason to smile when the decision is made.
He said: “If London can be the new team 12, it would be different class.
“The fact there was me and Tony and even Tommy Leuluai, who was brought there as a youngster, who played in the Grand Final shows there’s a real legacy of rugby league in London.
“The talent is down there, if you can get hold of it. If you don’t play union or football, or if you don’t get into a good rugby union school, there are kids that may be very raw but can be moulded into very good rugby league players.
“They’re fast, quick and strong. It’s an area that needs to be tapped into."
