WOLFPACK ARE IN THE HUNT
Toronto’s dirty job on road to Wembley
PAUL ROWLEY insists his Toronto Wolfpack side are happy to get their hands dirty in their historic first competitive match in the Challenge Cup today.
Rowley’s full-time side will take on top Halifax amateurs Siddal on their own ground in what will be a world away from the plan of playing in front of sell-out crowds in Canada.
But the Wolfpack boss has no problem with the basic surroundings, as rugby league’s bold new project steps out for its first full match.
Rowley said: “We’re quite happy to be starting there – we don’t need a shiny new stadium and all the thrills and spills. We’re happy to roll around in the mud and have a good game against the amateur top dogs.
“It’s only a short journey for us across to Siddal from our Brighouse training base, and we’re playing arguably the best, most consistent amateur team of the last few years.
“They’ve got some very good young players, a real mix of youth and experience.
“We’ve prepared well for it and we’re looking forward to it.”
Siddal’s former player Luke Robinson, now on the coaching staff at Huddersfield Giants, has been giving them tips for a game that will be screened live on the BBC website.
Robinson’s club has held opposed training sessions with Toronto as the Canadians prepare to start life in League One next weekend.
First they join the road to Wembley at the third round stage, with plenty of eyes on their opening clash.
Rowley added: “It’s a weird one because obviously we played Hull in a friendly but people have forgotten about that already.
“It’s been a stuttered start, but we know this is the real first game for us and we’re looking forward to it.
“It will be a tough, good start for us.”