The Toronto Wolfpack

As you will have noted in the game's history, expansion has been a low to non-existent priority. It has taken initiative from new nations to improve their game, not easy when there are no finances to facilitate that. However, in Canada something interesting has taken place.

With financial and commercial backing, a proposal was put to the RFL in England to admit a team from Toronto. That was accepted but the new side has to work its way up, from the third division (confusingly named League 1). Then when in division two (the championship) they can challenge for a first division place (Super League) in a eight team playoff scenario.

Until they reach the top flight, they have agreed to provide flights and accommodation for visiting teams to Toronto as well as their own to the UK. In addition, they have a base in England for when they are over there. It is a generous proposition that the RFL had no problem rubber stamping.

As the Toronto team needed to hit the ground running, they built a team around English and Australian players with experience. The bad thing about that is twofold, firstly they have been too good for third division English sides so some lopsided scores have been registered. Secondly, their haven't been places for North American players in the games. One would hope that now combinations and success have come, some local players could be added with minimal effect on the performance.

The time spent getting the setup on and off field up to scratch, starting lower down at division three has been a good thing. It takes time to build an organisation so by the time they are in Super League, a well oiled sports club will be in place.

Crowds have been around the 8,000 mark for games in Canada which is very good. I don't expect that to change much when they get promoted but could improve once they reach the big time. Keeping the game in the public's awareness is important and Canadian media have played their part in that.

So far it has all gone well, with local Canadians showing exceptional interest in a sport that they don't know. Expats living circa Toronto from nations that play the game have also quickly got on board. The fans are loving it and the Wolfpack players have mingled with fans informally after the games. It's still early days and I'll keep you apprised from time to time.

Picture credit: Toronto Wolfpack.