LEIGH Centurions still have not given up hope of linking with London Broncos and playing in Super League next season.

Even though the Centurions-Broncos merger plans were effectively blocked by Super League clubs on Monday, further talks between Hilton Park bosses and Broncos officials are planned. Details of those plans remain top secret.

Revived

Leigh are hoping that some sort of deal can be revived following Charlton Athletic's decision on Tuesday to turn down the chance to buy out the Virgin Group's 80 per cent stake in the Broncos.

But both parties know that they face strong opposition to their plan to relocate the ailing Broncos from the capital to Hilton Park and Leigh take over the Super League franchise.

Leigh chairman Mike Nolan told the Journal: "I'm bitterly disappointed at the stance that Super League and Rugby League have taken."

Super League clubs voted unanimously on Monday to block Leigh's takeover bid.

SLE spokesman Andrew Whitelam said: "The other member clubs feel it is important that the London Broncos continue as a Super League club in the capital and they stressed their support for London's continued efforts to achieve that.

"Any application from any other club, whether it be Leigh or anyone else, would be viewed unfavourably."

Virgin will continue with plans to withdraw their financial backing. That, coupled with the decision of landlords Charlton, will effectively make the Broncos homeless for next season.

"With the stance that SL and RFL have taken, they are in danger of losing not only London Broncos but also Virgin - one of the game's major backers," adds Mr Nolan. "Considering that the forthcoming Test series against the Aussies still hasn't got a backer or the game's premier knockout competition, the Challenge Cup, hasn't got a sponsor, it seems a very strange way to treat a multi-national company which is desperate to keep it's involvement with rugby league.

"Whatever happens in the coming days and weeks, the fact that London Broncos approached Leigh with this deal is a huge compliment to everyone at Hilton Park. They had great vision. The only people who couldn't see it were Super League and the Rugby League."