SAM Burgess has given the clearest indication yet that London Broncos half-back Oli Leyland is on his way to Warrington Wolves for next season.
The 23-year-old is set to be in the Broncos side that faces Warrington at The Halliwell Jones Stadium on Friday as he faces up to what looks likely to be his future teammates.
And when asked whether or not Leyland is a player they are interested in, Burgess was not backwards in coming forwards.
“I like Oli – he’s a great player and he could add something to our team,” he said.
“It’ll be exciting to see him play this week and see if he goes well up against us.
“He played well against us down there a few weeks ago – he’s a great little player and he’s only improved as the year’s gone on.
“If he was available, we’d be interested.”
Leyland has 18 try involvements to his name this year – two tries and 16 assists – meaning he has been directly involved in just under a third of the Broncos’ tries in Super League.
He has been a key part of what has been an incredible effort from Mike Eccles’ side to avoid finishing bottom of the table – something they have given themselves a great chance of doing by jumping above Hull FC on points difference going into the final round of fixtures.
Even if they do finish 11th, however, the controversial indicative grading they were given by the game’s new strategic partners IMG – a system that will become live to form the make-up of next year’s competition – will see them demoted from the top flight, while Hull’s “Grade A” status protects them from relegation.
London’s spirited displays have reignited the debate on whether or not they should be spared if they avoid finishing bottom, so where does Burgess stand on the issue?
“The question has to be whether or not they’ve added something to the season this year, and I think the answer to that is a resounding yes,” he said.
“Everyone’s enjoying them being a part of the league. They’ve shown growth and development – probably more than others at times.
“I believe there has to be a conversation had.
“They’ve been brilliant. Mike (Eccles, Broncos head coach) and his team have got their players galvanised and they’re believing in the fight.
“I think they’ve been great for the game and everyone’s got behind them.
“That’s not in a sympathetic way either – I think everyone’s appreciated the fight and spirit they’ve shown as a team.
“They made us work the last time we played them, and we’re expecting the same again.
“They’ve got big forwards and Oli Leyland has been in some form, setting tries up left right and centre and causing some problems.
“Josh Rourke has been great for them, but the forward pack’s been good and going hard for them.
“In the past four or five games, they’ve pushed pretty much everyone to the death. They’ve shown plenty of spirit.
“We’re looking forward to it and it’s the right game for us at this time of year.
“It should be a big crowd with it being “Kids For A Quid” at Warrington.
“Hopefully everyone who’s got a season ticket comes down because it should be a good contest. It’s perfect for us.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel