Singleton supports the North American ‘evolution’

FORMER Toronto Wolfpack prop Brad Singleton has backed the return of the Canadian club in a new North America Rugby League.

Wolfpack, who dropped out of Super League last summer after Covid and financial issues, will be part of a 14-team professional competition which starts with games in Brooklyn on June 19 and Las Vegas the following day.

The West Coast Conference has Austin Armadillos, Las Vegas Blackjacks, Phoenix Venom, Portland Loggers, San Diego Swell and San Francisco Rush.

The East Coast Conference will consist of Atlanta Rhinos, Boston Thirteens, Brooklyn Kings, Cleveland Rugby League, New York Rugby League and Washington Cavalry.

Ottawa Aces – who still also hope to run a team in League 1 next year – and Toronto are the two Canadian sides incorporated and they will play in a Canada Cup this year before joining the Eastern Conference in 2022.

Organisers have labelled it the “next big evolutionary step for rugby league” and all games will be streamed for less than $10 per month.

Ex-Leeds Rhinos forward Singleton, now playing for Wigan Warriors after Toronto were refused re-entry into Super League for 2021, said: “As a sport I think this is massive.

“We all know the potential of North America and to finally get some sort of structure and skeleton there, it is great to see.

“It’s exciting for players and fans. When you sign for Toronto you’re sold by how great it could be for rugby league so to see the way it went was unfortunate.

“To see it rise again, even at a different level, it is nice to know.

“This is a safer way of doing it and a way of generating more North American talent, too.

“Hopefully now they can get behind it. And once they do see it on TV, I do think they’ll fall for it.”