Broncos debt prompts crisis summit

Super League clubs are to meet today to discuss the financial crisis that threatens the existence of the London Broncos. It is understood that the club, saddled with debts estimated at up to £3.5m, have failed in their attempt to reach an agreement with their creditors.

Super League clubs are to meet today to discuss the financial crisis that threatens the existence of the London Broncos. It is understood that the club, saddled with debts estimated at up to £3.5m, have failed in their attempt to reach an agreement with their creditors.

The Rugby League confirmed last night that today's hastily convened meeting will look for a way forward to enable the Broncos to continue in the competition, despite what it calls "severe financial difficulties".

London's plight was thrown into stark relief last month by the League refusing to register the Kiwi international, Vinnie Anderson, because of fears over their finances and complaints from other Super League clubs.

The Broncos remain confident of fulfilling their fixtures, starting with the match at Bradford on Sunday. Ironically, their latest crisis comes at a time when they are thriving on the pitch, having recorded a record 72-8 victory over Wakefield last weekend.

Martin Gleeson will face his old team-mates tonight for the first time since his enforced departure from St Helens. Saints sold the Great Britain centre to their neighbours, Warrington, while he was serving a four-month ban for betting against his own team.

"It was hard when I found out they had accepted an offer for me," Gleeson said. "I was gutted at first, but I'm happy now."

There has been little in Warrington's performances so far this season to suggest that he is at the right club for a player of his world-class credentials.

The Wolves have won one of three Super League matches this season and they have a crippling injury list for this evening's game at the Halliwell Jones Stadium. They will be without Nat Wood and Paul Noone, while Toa Kohe-Love, Graham Appo and Mark Hilton all face fitness tests.