"Exclusive: Former Leeds Rhinos forward Matt Adamson and Leeds CEO Gary Hetherington will take control at London Broncos in the coming weeks as part of an NRL takeover of the club.
rugbyleaghub.com Long Reads understands Adamson and Hetherington will assume control of the Championship club, which has been without an owner since David Hughes departed at the end of last year.
Adamson played in the NRL with Parramatta, Penrith and Canberra, representing NSW and Australia. The Australian spent three years at the Rhinos, between 2002 and 2004, and after retirement has worked in the media and as a coach at the Panthers, Melbourne Storm and Fiji.
Hetherington declined to comment when approached by rugbyleaghub.com Long Reads today. Adamson also declined to comment.
It is believed the NRL will be investing in London, with Hetherington their point man in the capital and Adamson working in a commercial role.
Hetherington will depart his long-standing position at Leeds as part of the move. He has masterminded the rise of the Rhinos over the past three decades.
The Broncos dropped out of Super League at the end of 2024.
More on this story is expected to be revealed in the new March issue of Forty20 magazine, out today.
On January 20 Hetherington addressed media reports about his potential involvement in London. At the time he said in a statement published by Leeds: "Following recent media speculation regarding my role in supporting London Broncos and their need for a new ownership model, I can confirm that following a request from the London club, and supported by our Chairman Paul Caddick, I have given assistance to London in an effort to secure their long term future and the future for professional Rugby League in London and the South East of England.
“Those who know me, know I have always been passionate about growing our game and I personally believe that having a sustainable team in the nations capital is important, so I was happy to lend my advice and experience to Jason Loubser and his team at the Broncos.
"I been fortunate throughout my career to have built up strong relationships with people across the game and especially in Australia.
“I am currently on a family holiday in Australia but have also been able to use my time over here to meet with potential investors and I am confident of a successful outcome for London Broncos. I remain committed to Leeds Rhinos as Chief Executive and thank Paul Caddick for his support." "
Hughes gave up ownership in December and has no controlling interest in the club. If there are negotiations with him it would seem to me that they could only be about the extensive loans he gave to the club which I assumed he would have written off. It would be a shame if Hughes, having stopped wanting to play with his train set, is putting any deal at risk. Regardless, with new ownership I think we may see the extent to which he has held the club back over the years.
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