Broncos star ready to hit big time

Young Londoner Steffan Hughes will be striking a blow for professional rugby league outside the M62 corridor when he makes his international debut later this month.  

Back row forward Hughes, from Croydon, is over the moon about his inclusion in the Wales team to face England at Wrexham on Tuesday, July 31.

Hughes points to his call-up for the Ashes Test trial and the selection of Broncos team-mate Dom Peters for the Origin Game earlier this season as proof that opportunities exist for ambitious players outside the game's traditional heartland.

"It's a fantastic opportunity for me and one I want to make the most of," he said.

"I think it's good for the Broncos also to have players in these rep teams because it just goes to show that you don't have to live or play in the north to achieve your career goals.

"When Dom made it into the Lancashire team, his selection attracted loads of publicity and I reckon that's great for the game of rugby league in London.

"People must start to understand that rugby league is no longer just a northern sport and if you want to play for your county, or even for Great Britain for that matter, the Broncos is as good a place to do it as any."

Hughes and Peters will have a chance to display their talents on the national stage when they play for London in this evening's televised Super League match at Warrington.

The Broncos, with just one win from their last seven matches, desperately need the points to keep alive their hopes of ousting Leeds from the fifth play-off spot.