Maidstone’s Oli Leyland hopes last weekend’s thrilling rugby league game in Kent helps bring the crowds back again this Sunday.

Leyland played a starring role in Broncos’ thrilling win over Sheffield Eagles at the Kuflink Stadium, home of Ebbsfleet United Football Club.

The Broncos are playing a couple of on-the-road games in Kent this month while their home pitch at the Cherry Red Records Stadium undergoes maintenance.

Last weekend’s game saw the Broncos reverse a 28-point half-time deficit to beat the Eagles 36-28 in the Betfred Championship, inspired by six tries within 33 minutes and as many successful conversions by Leyland.

That result was made that extra bit special for Leyland, who was representing his boyhood club in his home county for the first time since turning professional in 2020.

The Academy graduate openly admitted he and his team-mates embarrassed themselves during a challenging opening half that saw the Broncos concede six unanswered tries.

But, inspired by interim head coach Mike Eccles’ half-time discussion, Leyland and his team-mates flipped the game on its head.

“It was made clear to everyone that we could not afford to give up on the game,” said the former Invicta Panthers player.

“We didn’t discuss winning as such, but we left the changing room seriously motivated to give a good account of ourselves, and that’s what we did.

“We were playing at a new stadium in front of new supporters and we’re happy to admit we all let ourselves down in the first half.

“I don’t think anyone expected what happened in the second half, but we never stopped believing and battled right to the final hooter.

“Personally, it was pleasing to convert all six tries. The boys really helped me out by touching down as close to the posts as possible, which obviously helps.

“I’ve enjoyed the pressure of kicking this year. It can be tough at times but it’s an environment I thrive in and want to develop more.”

The Broncos return to Ebbsfleet’s Kuflink Stadium this Sunday (July 10) when hosting Championship promotion hopefuls Featherstone Rovers (3pm).

“The supporters generated an electric atmosphere,” said Leyland, reflecting on last Sunday’s match. “It was great to meet everyone after the game too and have our photos taken with some of the club’s younger supporters.

“Every single one of us in the dressing room has time for those responsibilities, giving back is something we love to do.

“Hopefully those who attended for the first time are inspired to return this weekend when we host Featherstone, which will be a tough game. They’re a very good team, and we’ll need to deliver an 80-minute performance.

“We all believe in each other, and we gave a decent account of ourselves when we last met Featherstone – albeit conditions were in our favour that day.”