Turning over a new maple leaf

CANADA WILL KNOW ALL ABOUT WIN OVER LEIGH

TORONTO coach Paul Rowley says his side’s stunning win over Championship favourites Leigh will resonate all the way across the Atlantic.

The Wolfpack have to wait until May to play on home soil while their Lamport Stadium is upgraded, but Sunday’s 34-12 win was broadcast live on TV across Canada.

The result enhanced the club’s Super League credentials after a preseason disrupted by injuries and the shock exits of highprofile trio Fuifui Moimoi, Dave Taylor and Ryan Bailey.

Rowley says the win, which included tries from Liam Kay (top) and Adam Sidlow (circle), has not gone unnoticed in Toronto.

He said: “For a club that’s not been around for too long we’ve got a really loyal, faithful bunch of fans.

“We average over 7,500 at home in Canada and I’m pretty confident they will have been eagerly viewing and supporting from afar. The result will definitely land on the other side of the Atlantic and be met with optimism.

“My belief in this project has been there from the off, but the longer it goes on, the more tangible how big it could actually be becomes.

“We’ve dispelled a few myths among other clubs when we’ve gone out and told our story. We’re costing nobody any money to be here – it’s costing the club – and we’re here for the good of the game.”

The return of Rowley and 10 former players to Leigh dominated the buildup to the game, but he was able to detach himself from any emotion.

He added: “It’s too early to write anyone off or crown them champions – it’s week one and both ourselves and Leigh have tough challenges ahead.

“We know this competition is strong, but with so much attention on the game it was nice to win and get people talking.”