Wolfpack release experienced trio

Promoted Toronto Wolfpack have released three of their high-profile players, including new signing Dave Taylor, with the new Betfred Championship season just around the corner.

Taylor, a former Australia Test forward who was signed from Canberra Raiders, has left without playing a game for the club, along with ex-Parramatta and Leigh prop Fuifui Moimoi and ex-Leeds front rower Ryan Bailey.

The bombshell announcement came as the 2017 League 1 champions prepared to return to their Manchester base from their week-long warm-weather training camp in Portugal.

The club have not divulged their reasons for axing the players but it is a blow, just a fortnight before the start of the new season.

A statement from Toronto said: “Fuifui Moimoi, Ryan Bailey and Dave Taylor have left Toronto Wolfpack by mutual agreement.

“The club thank the players for their efforts and we wish them well in their future careers.”

Harry Newman, 17, the first Leeds player born this century to play for the Rhinos when he made his debut against Wigan last July, is in the squad for tonight’s trip to Coventry Bears.

“I am really looking forward to it,” Newman said of the game which is part of Bears’ 20th anniversary celebrations. “It’s a chance to try and impress.”