Wolfpack howl is Yes.. Can do’
IT was a long way from the plan of playing in front of five-figure Canadian crowds, but rugby league’s bold new project Toronto Wolfpack is up and running.
Set against the backdrop of the picturesque Pennines above Halifax, at one of the sport’s amateur strongholds in Siddal, Paul Rowley’s fledgling side were forced to fight for every muddy inch in their first competitive game.
The excellent home side – who stood toe-to-toe with their full-time opponents throughout – actually led deep into the second half after Gareth Blackburn touched down.
But Wolfpack nerves were steadied by late tries from Greg Worthington and Adam Sidlow to see them through to the fourth round of the Ladbrokes Challenge Cup.
For ex-Great Britain coach and Toronto director of rugby Brian Noble, this was the start of something he hopes will snowball into a major success.
Noble said: “We had to fight really hard in an enclosed environment and didn’t get our noses in front until the very end.
“Siddal were magnificent and well organised, and I dare say other teams in our division would have been beaten here today.
“It was good for us to come out the other side of that – everybody’s muddy in the changing rooms but they’re happy.”
The Wolfpack had an iconic first try-scorer in Virginia-born USA captain Ryan Burroughs, in what is a predominantly English squad.
Noble added: “Twenty per cent of our squad are North American but over the years we’ll have to develop a whole lot more.”
There were marked contrasts across the pitch, few more so than in the story of Toronto’s highest profile player Fuifui Moimoi.
At the height of his career, the former New Zealand international was one of the most recognisable stars in Australia’s NRL.
But he finished the afternoon by being sent off on an amateur field in Halifax, in what Rowley thought was a harsh decision.
The Wolfpack coach said: “It was a great day for them and it’s kicked us off and running. If you fast forward 10 years and we’re where we want to be, this would be a great start.”