JASON Demetriou issued a stark warning over what he sees as unsustainable levels of spending by Betfred Championship clubs.
The London Broncos head coach and his players are still waiting to find out whether they have a fixture on March 8, with Halifax Panthers potentially returning to the field for the scheduled clash if a bid to revive the club, led by businessman Martyn Buchan, can be completed in time.
Halifax were liquidated last month following a winding-up order filed by HMRC over an owed £80,000, which followed Featherstone Rovers being refused entry to the 2026 Championship by the RFL after falling into administration in December.
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Demetriou, who moved from Australia to pursue a playing career with Lancashire Lynx, Rochdale Hornets, Widnes Vikings, Wakefield Trinity and Keighley Cougars prior to moving into coaching, believes some of the playing budgets in the second tier are excessive.
“I don’t want to get too much into the controversy, but I’ve spent a long time in England and it blows my mind the amount of money being spent in the Championship – it’s not sustainable,” Demetriou told Rugbyleaguehub.com.
“I came over here as a part-time player as everyone was when one overseas player was allowed in the team, and a lot of English blokes got a great opportunity to learn their trade in the Championship which is what it’s all about.
“But for whatever reason, there’s a lot of money being spent now. It’s not ideal for the competition and it’s definitely not sustainable now.”
The need to rein in Championship spending was referenced in the RFL’s Strategic Review, with point 48 expressing a desire to bring in a tighter salary cap for the competition linked to club turnover – albeit with the caveat of being able to spend over the cap by providing guarantees and a personal underwrite.
Indeed, such is the parlous financial state of the competition that Hunslet’s announcement of a modest £62,000 profit was deemed worthy of a story in London business newspaper City AM.
Demetriou’s comments may raise some eyebrows considering the Broncos, under new owners Darren Lockyer and Grant Wechsel, have invested significantly in putting together a full-time squad for 2026 as they press their case for a return to Super League next year.
Nevetheless, the former South Sydney Rabbitohs boss hopes Halifax are able to make it back onto the field in time for Sunday’s scheduled match at The Shay and will have the unbeaten Championship leaders preparing to play unless told otherwise by the RFL.
“We hope it goes ahead and Halifax get the green light and they put a side together which is competitive,” Demetriou, whose side thumped North Wales Crusaders 106-18 on Saturday evening, said.
“They’ve got a good coach and a good group of players, and were going to be one of the sides to compete this year. It would be a shame if they’re not in and if they are, it’ll be a great occasion to get them back in the competition.
“I’m sure Halifax fans will come out in numbers and it’ll be supporters from other clubs who’ll get in to support Halifax as well, I’m sure.
“For us, we’re just preparing to play them. That’s the next game for us and it’s going to be a great opportunity to go up there in front of decent crowd and it’ll be a big day for Halifax, and a big day for us as well.”