London Broncos will have interim coach Mike Eccles in charge for the first time this afternoon when they take on Workington Town at Derwent Park.
It’s a huge game for both clubs with Town still seeking their first points of the Betfred Championship season and currently three adrift of the Broncos who have only won once.
Eccles has been put in charge following the departure of head coach Jermaine Coleman a week ago.
He has focused training on galvanizing the squad ahead of two Championship away fixtures in quick succession, Town and York City Knights on Sunday.
Eccles has said this week’s training sessions have centred on technical and tactical work and refocusing the squad on what it means to represent the club.
He told the club website: “We have done work technically and tactically ahead of Workington around what they will offer and how we can break them down. The main focus, however, has been around our identity and highlighting what it is exactly we want this team to stand for.
“It’s going to be a tough game.# “In my time at the club, it has always been a fight.
“The maximum margin we have won by in the past is one try – demonstrating how tough it is playing away there.
“They’ve got some really good players and have been getting closer to a win as their recent home games will show you. There is certainly no underestimation of Workington.”
The Broncos have held several solid training sessions this week in preparation for the two away fixtures and Eccles said he has focused the squad and support staff on getting back to the hardworking and humble spirit of the club.
He said: “We are working hard all round to regather the Broncos identity and what we want to be. In previous years we have been known for being hard working, gritty, resilient and most importantly, a united team.
“So far this year that’s something that we haven’t demonstrated but it’s what we want to get back to.
“We have been concentrating on what the club means to us and working to regain that identity. We feel that refocusing on that is going to be a big needle mover for us.
“If we can implement those things, it will give us a foundation to really work on.”
Eccles’ pathway to employment with the Broncos was sparked in the mid-noughties. During his teenage years, he was a keen footballer and represented Wigan Athletic at academy level.
A career as a professional footballer did not work out, so Eccles completed a sport-science degree at Edge Hill University. This led to a role with Salford Red Devils as Head of Strength and Conditioning before he joined the Broncos 11 years ago.
The game kicks off at 12.30pm and the Broncos are likely to include a new signing, Italian international Brock Pelligra – fresh from his French Elite 1 success with AS Carcassonne.
The 23-year-old played a starring role in Carcassonne’s 20-16 win against XIII Limouxin on Sunday in the Grand Final of French Rugby League’s highest tier.
Pleased with his recent performances and fitness levels, Pelligra has linked up with the Broncos for the remainder of the season and will be available for selection against Workington and York City Knights.
The half-back, who originates from Australia, landed in the UK for the first time last week and is looking forward to the challenge ahead.
He told the Broncos website: “I’m really satisfied with my performances in Elite 1 this season and was hungry for a new challenge. We had a few conversations and quickly reached an agreement with the Broncos, I’m thrilled to be here.
“I feel like my work with Carcassonne has really prepared me for Championship level Rugby League. It’s a tough division and the Broncos have experienced some tough results this season.
“But my initial impression of the club, my teammates and those behind the scenes is very good. Everyone is determined to pull in the right direction and ensure the second half of the season is one we can reflect on positively.”
