Rugby League: London prepared to make history

LONDON BRONCOS must re-write their history if they are to keep alive their hopes of a play-off place against St Helens at The Stoop tonight.

London, in all their manifestations from Fulham onwards, have never beaten Saints. They need to do so this evening if their late scramble for the top five is to succeed. "Bradford are still the favourites," the Broncos' chief executive, Tony Rea, said. "But if we win, it puts great pressure on them at Wigan on Sunday night."

London are still without Terry Matterson, but expect Shaun Edwards to start the game after coming on as a substitute at Sheffield last week. He is likely to be alongside Glen Air, who, along with the promising young Londoner, Dominic Peters, has agreed a new contract for next season.

Luke Goodwin, who kicked the winning drop goal at Sheffield last Friday, is to leave, however. The former Oldham player is to join London Scottish. Ironically, London are likely to be facing the player they see as the injured Matterson's ideal replacement, when he retires at the end of this season.

Rea confirmed that the Broncos are still keen on Karle Hammond, who has had his latest offer of a new contract withdrawn by Saints, but they face competition from clubs closer to home. "It could come down to one of these north-south things," Rea said. "So we really hope he enjoys it in London - not including the game itself."

Leeds, who will make mathematically certain of second place if they beat Hull tonight, have Paul Sterling and Marc Glanville back, with Ryan Sheridan and Brad Godden taking their turn to be rested against the first side to defeat them in Super League earlier this season.