DARRELL Griffin has taken the first step towards making it into rugby league's big time.

Griffin, 19, has been training with the London Broncos for the last two years and has been rewarded for some outstanding performances by being handed a professional contract for the forthcoming season.

He was spotted while playing for the Oxford Cavaliers and went into the London Broncos Academy.

Last year he was in the club's Alliance side, and, after some good performances, he was given his big chance.

Griffin, who lives in London but grew up in Witney, started playing rugby union when he was seven.

Two years ago, he decided to take up rugby league as a summer sport and his love for the game has escalated.