GREG Richards and his London Broncos team-mates are continuing to defy the naysayers in Super League and now sit within two points of the top four after slaying another of the division's giants.

Having vanquished defending champions Wigan Warriors at home two weeks prior, the Broncos then overcame Leeds Rhinos 18-16 at Headingley last Friday evening thanks to late tries from Matty Fozzard and Will Lovell, plus a conversion from Kieran Dixon.

Urswick native Richard was again involved off the interchange bench to help London to victory as last year's Million Pound Game winners kept their good early-season form going.

"We have had some tough away games and there were probably questions being asked of us, but to come to Headingley and win gives the boys confidence," Broncos head coach Danny Ward told BBC Radio London.

"We are happy with where we are but there are lots of areas to fix up and work on. We can't get carried away."

n DARYL Powell is pleased he has been able to give the likes of Jacques O'Neill an opportunity in the first-team during Castleford Tigers' recent injury problems.

Askam hooker O'Neill was not included in the Tigers' 17-man match-day squad for the 24-20 win over Salford Red Devils on Sunday, although was named in their initial 19.

However, the Castleford head coach believes he has gained valuable experience from his run-outs against Hull Kingston Rovers and Warrington Wolves after injuries struck

"When that happens young players do get opportunities and Jacques O’Neill has come in and the pace of the game last week against Warrington was a bit of a shock for him, I think, but he knows what it is about now that’s for sure," said Powell.

"It’s been tough the past couple of weeks but it gives opportunities to people and then your squad gets a little bit bigger which is always great."

n LIAM Paisley could face Barrow Raiders for the second time this year on Sunday after featuring in Swinton Lions' 24-12 defeat to Featherstone Rovers in the Betfred Championship.

Dalton youth product Paisley was playing for the Lions on dual-registration terms from Wigan Warriors, who he featured for when they faced Barrow in pre-season.