Broncos optimistic over debt package

London Broncos insist it will be business as usual next season, despite discussions which could result in the club entering into a company voluntary agreement.

The club is almost £3m in debt and sees the agreement as a way of tidying up its financial affairs. The snag is that, under the Rugby League by-laws, London must be out of the agreement by the end of the 2005 season or face relegation from Super League.

Their coach Tony Rea, who is also a director, is not worried. "I don't think there is any drama," he said yesterday. "It is very much business as usual."

That business has included signing a 12th new player for next season. South Sydney's prop, Filimone Lolohea, has a Tongan passport and under the Kolpak Ruling does not count on the club's overseas quota, which is already full.

Gareth Ellis is expected to fly to Portugal with Wakefield for their training camp after the collapse of his proposed move to Bradford. Ellis still has a year of his Trinity contract to run.