Watson bids to take reins at Broncos

Eric Watson, the millionaire who owns the New Zealand Warriors, is being reported in Australia as wanting to take over the London Broncos.

The Kiwi businessman is now based in Britain and is said by the Sun-Herald in Sydney to be planning to sell the Warriors and take control of the Broncos, who have been short of a major backer since Richard Branson pulled out two years ago.

Nick Cartwright, Broncos' chief executive, confirmed that he had met Watson at Griffin Park. "Lots of people in London want us to succeed and if someone like Eric joined the board it would only add to that feeling.''

Hull, meanwhile, have agreed new two-year contract extensions with prop Paul King and fullback Sean Briscoe.