Glitz, glamour and tries.. new boys have been a hit on & off the pitch
TORONTO WOLFPACK are a breath of fresh air for rugby league – and they have only just begun.
The Canadian club are walking through League One in their debut season after recruiting well – but the most exciting aspects for me are what we are seeing off the field.
It’s the Wolfpack’s first year and they have had fantastic crowds – 7,247 watched their game against Hemel Stags last week.
The club is already taking rugby league into new markets – their media coverage has included articles in the New York Times and Esquire magazine.
One of the biggest pluses has been seeing Canadian youngster Quinn Ngawati feature in the last two matches. And I’m sure there will be more where he’s come from. They look at everything from a new angle and that is refreshing.
We’re at a time in this country where the game needs some glitz, glamour and a laugh (right, middle and bottom) and if Toronto can work their way up to the top division they might provide it.
It’s good for the game that we have people with real enthusiasm to grow the sport, set out a clear plan and then deliver.
Realistically, I don’t think this season could have gone any better for them – they are undefeated in the league, have attracted big crowds (right, top) and they also ran Salford close in the Challenge Cup.
There have been doubters, but that’s the same with anything.
The Wolfpack have not been transported straight into Betfred Super League – they’ve done it the right way from the bottom.
And it will be interesting to see how they go on their next step up in the Championship.
I love change, enthusiasm and clubs that bring energy to the sport and Toronto have delivered all that.
And all of this has been happening while they’re playing in the third tier – imagine what could happen if they do reach Super League? Anybody can be sceptical, but in the nine months so far they have absolutely delivered on everything they said they would – crowds, performances and media exposure.
If they do get into Super League, they could mix things up further.
Rugby league is taking the World Cup to America in 2025 and if we are serious about cracking the North American sports market – which we should be – then Toronto is the first step on the way.