London Broncos head coach Jason Demetriou has spoken ahead of Monday’s 1895 Cup Final clash with Widnes Vikings - a club he knows all too well.
And after a remarkable season that has seen the Broncos emerge as the Championship’s dominant side, Demetriou is enjoying every minute of the challenge:
“I’m loving being back in the UK and enjoying what we’re doing at London Broncos,” Demetriou said.
“I’ve always said it wouldn’t be hard for me to come back because of the time that I’ve spent over here before.”
There is an added sense of nostalgia ahead of Monday’s 1895 Cup Final, with London facing a Widnes side that holds a special place in Demetriou’s career.
“That time includes three great years from 2001 to 2003 with the club we’re facing in this year’s 1895 Cup Final: Widnes Vikings,” Demetriou explained.
“I said it when I went back there and was presented with my heritage number, it’s a club that’s always dear to me. Had I not had that experience at Widnes – if David Hulme hadn’t signed me when he did – I wouldn’t be sat here today.
“It was a pivotal moment in my career where I needed to go to a club that had ambition and wanted to be in Super League – and they backed someone with no Super League experience to help them do it.
“I’m very grateful for the three years I had there. We were very successful and built a pretty decent team in those first couple of years. We probably should have made the Play-Offs in our first year up in Super League and weren’t far off the second year.
“So, I had some great memories. It was a club I didn’t really want to leave. But in the end, I was then fortunate to find a new home that lasted for a long time at Wakefield Trinity.”
“And now, of course, it’s London Broncos.”
Indeed. Tasked with helping London establish themselves as a force both on and off the field, Demetriou has already guided his side to their first ever League Leaders’ Shield, and now, the Broncos have their sights set on adding the 1895 Cup to their silverware cabinet, too.
“I am enjoying it. It’s very different being down here in the south, trying to grow the game and give it the awareness that it deserves.
“It is obviously a challenge, but it’s a challenge I’m embracing. We’ve put some foundation in place for the club to grow beyond this year. First and foremost, what we needed to do was be successful on the field and there’s no doubt we’ve been doing that.
“Although the London owners were really disappointed that we didn’t get an opportunity to play in Super League this season, I’ve personally felt that this was the best route for us to build a club, a culture, and then most importantly, a roster that we can grow from year to year. We’re definitely doing that.”
And the 1895 Cup represents another significant opportunity.
“There’s work still to do. We’re not at the destination we’re chasing, but we’re well on our way.
“And as well as going for the Championship title, we said at the start of the season that the 1895 Cup was another trophy that we potentially had the ability to go after. The players are committed to do that. We’re in the final now and looking forward to what should be a good day.”
There is also unfinished business from the sides' most recent meeting.
Widnes pushed London to the limit last time out, before narrowly going down 42-36.
That said, London have endured just one defeat all year, having well and truly conquered the Betfred Championship.
But Demetriou is aware his side can ill-afford to estimate Monday’s opposition:
“Widnes were outstanding when we played them recently and I knew it’d be difficult. Some of our boys hadn’t been in a real northern atmosphere before – and the Widnes fans bring that with their vocality. They’re in your face. It can be an intimidating place.
“We didn’t handle the start of that game and Widnes played some really good footy. They tested us. It definitely gave us some things to look at and some areas we know we’ll need to be better for Monday.”
Now the Broncos have the chance to respond on the biggest stage of their season.
For Demetriou, he is relishing the occasion:
“But it’s set up for a great final. It should be a cracking game and our boys are excited. I know the Widnes supporters would have come off the field confident and excited as well.”
The 1895 Cup Final will take place on Monday 31 August at the Halliwell Jones Stadium (K.O. 3pm).
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