SYDNEY:
Australian rugby league great Darren Lockyer said on Thursday he wants to buy a controlling stake in the embattled London Broncos, inspired by Hollywood star Ryan Reynolds’ exploits at football club Wrexham.
Former Australia captain Lockyer is part of a consortium that is keen to restore the Broncos — now struggling in the second-tier Championship — as a Super League force.
“We’re off to London tomorrow,” the 48-year-old told The Australian newspaper.
“We’re obviously keen for the London Broncos to get back into Super League and we’re going to have a look over the weekend and continue our due diligence.”
Lockyer said he hopes to replicate the success of Reynolds and fellow movie star Rob McElhenney, who paid £2 million ($2.7 million) in 2021 for Wrexham.
They have since become the first club from the top five divisions of English football to secure three consecutive promotions, growing into a powerhouse business.
Lockyer, who played his entire career with the Brisbane Broncos, also pointed to NFL quarterback star Tom Brady buying an ownership stake in Birmingham City.
“I’m aware of what Ryan Reynolds did with Wrexham FC and Tom Brady is involved with Birmingham,” he said.
“There’s been these examples in world sport of turning clubs around and one lesson I’ve learned from Tom Brady is if you have the work ethic and the resources, you can get a business to grow.”
“I’m entrepreneurial, so is Grant, and when something is put across your desk and you have knowledge of an industry and you think you are capable of doing it, there is that desire to get involved,” he added, referring to his business partner Grant Wechsel.
Relegated from the Super League last year, the Broncos are currently 10th in the Championship.
