Wellington Albert

The 27-year-old linked up with the Broncos in the off-season from League 1 outfit Keighley. He joined the Cougars for 2021, but missed the whole of the season through injury.

Albert, who hopes to be back in action mid-February, is excited to be a part of a new-look London side; headed up by coach Jermaine Coleman.

“It’s an exciting new era for the club”

PNG International Wellington Albert is the latest biggest signing by the London Broncos as they look to beef up their forward line ahead of the new season.

Broncos Head Coach Jermaine Coleman said he’s delighted and relieved to finally get him adding Wellington comes with a fantastic reputation and at his best is difficult to handle. Coleman said he’s proven that at all levels of the game.

He had initially played with them in the same team in PNG but this time, they will be competing against each other.

The 24-year-old, who is from a remote village near Mendi, Southern Highlands, expressed excitement after the signing of Ase and Watson Boas for the 2019 season of the Betfred Championship in England.

“I love playing alongside them but now I’ll play against them in (the) Championship,” said Albert.

“I love them coming over as well. Good to have PNG boys in England.”

He said the signing of Stanton will help Wellington a lot after the sudden loss of Kato Ottio.

“We know they are in good hands with the Vikings. Having Stanton there makes things a bit easier. It will really help in the transition process and to settle in quickly,” stated Rau.

“We are grateful to Widnes Vikings for this opportunity.”

Rau then wished the Albert brothers good luck this season.

“I’m proud of Wellington and Stanton and wish them and our other Kumuls boys all the best this season.

Speaking before Wellington and Stanton left this week to join the Widnes Vikings, he said he hoped to see more PNG players being signed up to go play in the United Kingdom.

“I think the Super League is on par with the National Rugby League in Australia. In the Rugby League World Cup final, Australia only beat England by six points.

“This shows the Super League is equivalent to the NRL. We need more of our players playing in the Super League so we can give the Australians a good challenge.”

Close friends and family along with the PNG Rugby Football League were there to farewell the duo.

Wellington, 23 said: “I’m really grateful for the opportunity to play in the Super League. I’m also happy to have my brother alongside me.

“I want to thank the PNGRFL through the SP Hunters management and coach, Michael Marum for building me up.”

“I’m looking forward to this new challenge.”

The 23-year-old joins the Vikings in the 2018 Betfred Super League season alongside fellow PNG Kumul, Kato Ottio.

Albert is known for his pace, power and physicality – standing at 194 centimetres tall and weighing at about 114 kilograms.

He joins the 35-man squad already named for the Betfred Super League season in the United Kingdom.

His move to the Vikings is subject to visa approval.

Head coach of Widnes Vikings, Denis Betts, said the Vikings are looking forward to welcoming Albert to the pre-season training at the earliest opportunity.

The Albert brothers were part of the Penrith Panthers Club for 3 seasons and will be no strangers to the team when they face off on Sunday.

Wellington will be playing in the front rows while brother Stanton will be backing him up in the curtain raiser of the 2017 NRL grand final.

The SP PNG Hunters have been fortunate enough to take out the Queensland title at Suncorp and this time, they will make a grand final appearance at the ANZ stadium in Sydney, ahead of the Melbourne Storm and North Queensland cowboys match.

Returning to the side from an injury that saw him miss the opening game of the season last weekend, Albert will become Hunter #50.

“I couldn’t sit down and watch the game last weekend. I was uncomfortable watching from the bench because I trained so hard over the pre-season.

“Unfortunately I didn’t play; but my chance has come now.

“I was very proud to be named in the team for tomorrow’s game. I’m looking forward to making my debut. I can’t wait and will give it my best,” said Albert.