History will be made in the capital on Sunday as community side Wests Warriors gear up to face Betfred Championship flyers London Broncos, in Round 2 of the Betfred Challenge Cup (K.O. 2pm).
Wests progressed to the Second Round after a 24-12 victory over British Army, and head coach and co-founder of the club KJ Parkinson, was pleased with his side’s performance overall:
“We are happy we came away with the win. Our preparations weren’t ideal, but we knew if we played simple rugby and matched the Army forwards, then we would give ourselves every chance of getting the win.
“It was everything we expected - a tough physical game played in the middle. It was a big effort from our pack to get us going forward and then we were able to capitalise on out wide.”
To play in the Challenge Cup competition is always a huge honour for the Warriors club, who were founded back in 2014:
“It’s one of the oldest and biggest trophies in rugby league so it’s very special and we are privileged to be involved,” Parkinson said.
“It gives community clubs like ourselves a chance to test themselves against unknown opposition and potentially set up that dream tie against a high-profile club.”
The Warriors reached the Third Round of the competition last year which teed up a glamour tie with Betfred Super League’s Leeds Rhinos, and highlighted a return of Challenge Cup romance.
Parkinson’s men faced the strongest of Rhinos outfits, and despite an unsurprisingly heavy defeat, the experience of playing the AMT Headingley turf is something that will stick with the community side forever:
“Despite the result it was an absolutely amazing experience. To play at Headingley and against a full-strength Super League club was what the Challenge Cup is all about for small community clubs like us.
“Full credit to Leeds Rhinos as the players and the staff treated us just like another Super League club and that entire weekend was one our players, staff and supporters will never forget.”
Another humongous and historic tie awaits in Round 2 this weekend as the Warriors travel to face a star-studded Broncos at the Richmond Athletic Ground this weekend.
“To be honest we have been wanting this match for a long time now, we have some close ties with London Broncos and there is a mutual respect between both clubs,” Parkinson explained.
“Our players are really excited to be playing against the Broncos, it’s exciting for us and also it’s good for rugby league in London, so we hope to get as many spectators as possible down this Sunday to watch the match.”
If selected, the Warriors could have six former Broncos players in their line-up on Sunday – Iliess Macani, Matt Ross, Aaron Small, Neil Thorman and Adam Vrahnos.
Macani, Ross and Thorman have all played for London at the top level at some point during their careers. There have also been a number of other players who started playing grassroots rugby league with the Warriors before going on to feature for the Broncos in Super League. Jarred Bassett is just one example.
And while Parkinson knows it will be a tough challenge for his boys on Sunday, it’s going to be a special occasion for all involved:
“We want to be competitive and do our club proud and if my players can walk off the pitch knowing they gave it everything for 80 minutes, then they can hold their heads high regardless of the result.
“We know London Broncos will be looking to continue from where they left off against Widnes Vikings so it’s going to be a really tough ask for my players, but they are all up for it.”
As rugby league continues to flourish down south, Sunday's all-London tie is expected to attract a healthy crowd, and further promote the game in the area.
“It’s an exciting day for rugby league and it’s really positive for rugby league in London. It’s important for the growth of the game down here," Parkinson added.
“It’s Round 2 of this prestigious competition and we still have four London-based teams competing so that’s got to be a good thing!”
From their open age men’s teams to women’s team and masters’ sides, Wests Warriors currently boast a strong pool of over 100 players, and are excited for 2026 as they keep establishing themselves and growing year on year.
It's Betfred Challenge Cup Finals Day at Wembley Stadium on Saturday 30 May 2026. Book your tickets here today and enjoy our early bird prices!
Photo Credit: MediaPAC Sports Photography
