Danny Ward can’t wait to get back into the swing of things ahead of London BroncosChallenge Cup tie with York City Knights on Sunday.

After twelve months out due to the pandemic, Broncos returned to action last weekend with a 24-10 win over Keighley Cougars in the first round of the Challenge Cup.

And head coach Ward is just happy to be back on the field, and hoping his side can improve on last Sunday’s win in their second round tie against fellow Championship opposition.

'It's great to get back'

“I can’t wait,” said the 40-year old ahead of Sunday’s game. “It’s great to get back into weekly rugby after 12 months out.

“The lads were bouncing after last week, but we know that we have to step up in class against a very good York side, and we are looking forward to challenge.”

Debutants Gideon Boafo and Jacob Jones both crossed for their first tries for the club as Broncos saw off a brave Keighley side last Saturday as the Challenge Cup got underway.

Sam Davis and Romain Navarette also went over as the hosts led 24-0 before a late fightback from the part-time Cougars saw them score two tries of their own.

Ward happy with victory

But despite the late set-back, Ward was happy to see his side progress to the second round.

“It was positive seeing the lads out there doing what they love doing - playing rugby,” he said.

“I can’t be too critical, I know there are a few areas for us to fix up but after 12 months out it was great to just see them enjoy themselves.

“To see the team carry out what we’ve spoken about throughout pre-season was really pleasing.

“I was also impressed with the youngsters, with Gideon (Boafo) and Jacob Jones both on debut, which is always good to see and pleasing for everyone at the club.”

In Broncos’ way of a third round date are York City Knights, who have recruited well over the summer and put in a good performance to win 30-6 at Sheffield Eagles last Friday night.

'A contest for 80 minutes'

And Ward is wary of the threat James Ford’s side pose ahead of the Challenge Cup second round tie behind-closed-doors at Rosslyn Park.

“They’re well coached,” added Ward. “We know it’s going to be a contest for 80 minutes having had two very close contests with them last year.

“It’s going to be a good step up for us ahead of the start of the Championship next weekend.

“We will take it one game at a time as we do every year. This week we want to improve on last week, and that will be our goal week by week.

We have a very ambitious squad who want to play at the highest level but we will take it one game at a time.”

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