Italian international Palumbo agrees fresh London Broncos terms

Italian international Ronny Palumbo will spend a second season with London Broncos after enjoying a positive first stint under director of rugby and performance Mike Eccles.

The Australian-born 31-year-old made 22 appearances for the Broncos in 2022 and played a pivotal role in the squad’s improvement through the second half of the campaign.

Currently on duty with Italy at the Rugby League World Cup, Palumbo will re-join the Broncos squad in November when pre-season training begins and said he is excited to get going again.

“I was playing some of my best Rugby League in the second half of last season and I’m looking forward to building on that,” said Palumbo. “We’ve got a really strong core group of players who can help the club climb the table and push for the play-offs next season.

“It’s a no-brainer for me to stay. I’m very comfortable and settled in London and the Championship is a good standard for me to be involved in.

“Every club is strengthening their squads to push for the play-offs or promotion which makes it a great league to play in.”

Eccles praised the back-row’s versatility when confirming the news and explained his latest recruit is just as capable playing as a loose forward, in the second row, and can cover prop and centre.

“Ronny played an integral role in turning our season around this year and I’m pleased he has committed his future to the Broncos,” said Eccles. “His game was getting better and better as the season went on and his versatility will be important for us moving forwards.

“Now he’s settled in the squad, I believe we’ll see Ronny take his game to another level in 2023 and I look forward to working with him and making that goal a reality.”

Meanwhile, Eccles continues to monitor the progress of several players participating at the World Cup and provided an update on recruitment outside of players who have already been announced.

He added: “We’re monitoring progress of several players taking part in the World Cup. We’re still on the hunt for new faces and want to bring in three or four more players externally.

“Behind the scenes everyone is working with their foot to the floor which is great to see and excitement is building ahead of the start of pre-season.”