London calling: How Jamie became unlikely Broncos poster boy

Be like Jamie!

That was the message posted by London Broncos on their social media accounts after Jamie Humphreys helped South Sydney to last Thursday night’s upset defeat of Penrith.

Humphreys, who is preparing to play alongside Latrell Mitchell for the first time in the biggest game of his career so far against Sydney Roosters, has become an unlikely poster boy for the Broncos after starring as the Rabbitohs halfback.

With his father Stephen - the former Wests Tigers and Manly CEO - working in London, Humphreys joined the Broncos Academy team, which included Knights international Kai Pearce-Paul.

“My father worked for British Airways, so our family moved over there in 2014 when I was young. It was a big move for us and during that time I played a lot of footy and sports like soccer and rugby union, as well,” Humphreys said.

“London Broncos was the team I played for through U16s to U19s in their academy system and I really enjoyed my time there.

“I played with Kai Pearce-Paul, who is now at Newcastle, and we came through the system together at the London Broncos with a couple of other boys who are now in the Super League. It is cool the hear that they are supporting me.”

Having been demoted from the Super League and with their future under a cloud after long term backer David Hughes withdrew his support, the Broncos are now using Humphreys and Pearce-Paul to promote their pathways system.

“I definitely learned a lot there and there's a lot of talent coming through the system at the London Broncos,” Humphreys said.

“Obviously rugby union is a big influence but like Kai and me there's definitely opportunities to make something out of it and the system was really good, so there's no reason that there isn't another player out there who can make it.”

After playing one NRL game last season for Manly, Humphreys joined Souths to play under supercoach Wayne Bennett and was expected to start the season on the bench or in NSW Cup after the Rabbitohs signed St Helens halfback Lewis Dodd.

However, the 22-year-old has made ever post a winner after being given his chance in the Charity Shield and is now bracing the face the Roosters in the latest instalment of the NRL’s oldest rivalry at Accor Stadium on Friday night.

“I know all about the rivalry, it's something that's pretty special in this game and it's something I kind of have bookmarked in my calendar, for sure,” he said.

“It's something that this club takes really seriously and there's a lot of history behind it, obviously, so I’m really excited for it.”