RIAN Horsman believes the stage is set for rugby league to make some capital as London is a key area for growth.
The homegrown Broncos ace does not need telling how important the city is to the 13-a-side code – he just wants others in the capital to learn about it.
And after more than 40,000 people watched England’s World Cup semi-final heartbreak at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium, the IMG era is ready for lift off.
The media giant has earmarked London, which has produced several England internationals, as it ‘re-imagines’ the sport.
Some grumbles about a lack of action after they outlined their aims for the sport – with a less is more attitude and clubs being graded the main things – but now is the time for sides to get their house in order before being spoonfed what needs to be done.
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And Horsman, who hails from Essex, knows just how pivotal the capital can be after going from Broncos mascot to player as they look to get back into Super League.
“London is massive to rugby league, if it’s done right,” he said. “Everyone’s talking about the example of the semi-final at Arsenal.
“Many of the fans who went probably aren’t rugby league fans as such but they enjoyed the product and they love it having turned up.
“London’s such a big city and everyone loves sport in it.
“If you even open the sport up to a small section of it and say, ‘Rugby league’s here, come and watch it to see for yourself,’ it would make a massive difference. It would open huge doors.
“And with IMG, we didn’t know what was going to happen but when they said London’s a massive goal for them, it gave us hope they can market it right to get the best outcome for the sport.”
Broncos may now be part-time in the Championship but the aim is still high – their Plough Lane stadium they share with AFC Wimbledon is certainly Super League standard.
And Horsman, 21, believes that setting can help them back towards the top flight, which they were last in in 2019.
He added: “The ground is unreal. It’s basically brand new and the facilities are probably better than some in Super League.
“So for IMG to see that would be great – it’s about filling it now.
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“My dad was a fan and I was about four-years-old when I was a mascot. Now I’m playing for them having started playing at Brentwood.
“Home advantage for us is key. For some teams, coming down to London can be a bit of a shock if you’re not used to it. It can make a massive difference.
“Getting back in Super League is the end goal – so is staying there. It would help with the promotion of the game too.”
