RECORD-breaker Jimmy Meadows epitomises what London Broncos are trying to build, according to head coach Jason Demetriou.
The Teddington-born halfback scored two tries and kicked 17 goals as the Broncos stayed unbeaten in the Betfred Championship with a 106-18 win at home to North Wales Crusaders on Saturday evening.
His goal-kicking exploits and 42-point haul set new individual game records for the club and Demetriou was quick to hail Meadows, who returned to London from Bradford Bulls in December, as an example of the rugby league talent in the south of England they want to grow.
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“Without a doubt, that’s the long-term vision of the club,” Demetriou told Rugbyleaguehub.com. “To get that in the short term is important and a big reason why we wanted Jimmy down here.
“I didn’t know of his character before we got him here, I just saw him and liked some things he did on the footy field. From the moment he walked in, he’s just been so impressive – as have quite a few of the boys.
“Jimmy is [London] born and bred, and lives and breathes this club. He’s been a shining light for one of the recruits we’ve brought back and we got him late…and I’ve been really impressed with Jimmy.
“Everything he does is about trying to improve and about the team, and he oozes what the Broncos are all about. I’m really pleased for him to get that record.”
Demetriou was further encouraged by the performances of some of the Broncos’ developing players in the reserves’ 26-20 win over Hull KR earlier in the day.
“They had a great gritty win, and some of the London boys particular who have come through our systems – Will Lovell is still playing and doing a good job leading that group, and Alex Walker,” Demetriou said.
“But then guys like Teddy Davidson was outstanding for us, and Tommy Porter and Rob Oakley, what I saw from those guys was what the south can achieve and where they can go.
“If that’s the level they show and the toughness and grittiness they show on the field, the signs are there for good things to come for sure.”