2 February 2013 14:33pm
London Broncos have called on the services of London born Commonwealth and European silver medalist and two time Olympian Jade Johnson to present the match shirts ahead of Sunday's game.
I could definitely feel the exciting for the game and it was really just an honour to give out the shirts
Jade gave an inspiration and emotive speech before presenting the shirts to the squad as club Chairman David Hughes and head coach Tony Rea looked on.
"As a track and field athlete it's a really different environment to be in a locker room with a team, because as it's usually just me individually and my coach," said Jade after the presentation.
"The energy was amazing; I could definitely feel the exciting for the game and it was really just an honour to give out the shirts.
"Tony Rea is an amazing coach; he's got a lot of knowledge being a former player himself. I've got a really good feeling about the season and I think the guys will do really well.
"Rugby League, track and field, and long jump are completely different, they are worlds apart, but thinking about it before I came here today and I thought 'what is it that makes a champion' and I think that the four things I came up with were; hard work, sacrifice, determination and an absolute love for our sport.
"I think that all sports people and champions are made of those things, and it was really interesting, I definitely connect with their anticipation and excitement and what it's like the day before the new season.
"I've got a feeling it'll go really well this season especially with Tony on board, I think they'll start as they mean to go and that's with winning. I'm excited for them tomorrow."
Head coach Tony Rea was enthused with Jade's role in handing out the shirts saying:
"I'm really pleased that a quality person, a person that knows how to fight and work hard and someone who is a genuine achiever, was able to present the shirts. It was great to welcome her into camp and it was tremendous to see her rapport and affection with the team.
"We really appreciate Jade's efforts for coming down and joining us."
London take on Widnes Vikings at The Twickenham Stoop (Sunday February 3) with a 3:00pm kick-off. Before the first team match the u19s take on the Vikings u19s with a 12:30pm kick-off.
