2018 Toronto Wolfpack season
Championship Rank1st
Play-off resultRunners Up
Challenge Cup6th Round
2018 recordWins: 27; draws: 1; losses: 6
Points scoredFor: 1086; against: 580
Team information
CEOCanada Eric Perez
Head CoachEngland Paul Rowley
Captain
StadiumLamport Stadium
Avg. attendance6,908
Agg. attendance96,714
High attendance9,266 (vs. London Broncos)
Top scorers
TriesRepublic of Ireland Liam Kay (26)
GoalsScotland Ryan Brierley (82)
PointsScotland Ryan Brierley (214)
< 2017 List of seasons 2019 >

This article details the Toronto Wolfpack's rugby league football club's 2018 season. This is the Wolfpack's 2nd season in their history and 1st season in the Championship after the Wolfpack dominated the 2017 League 1 season and earned promotion to 2018 Rugby League Championship.

Season review

September 2017

After winning the 2017 League 1 season and promotion to the Championship, Toronto immediately sought to improve their squad as they announced that centre Tom Armstrong had signed from Super League side Widnes Vikings.[1] Warrington Wolves prop forward Ashton Sims signed for the Wolfpack on a 2-year deal.[2] Albanian prop Olsi Krasniqi was the next to sign from Salford Red Devils along with Australian prop David Taylor from Canberra Raiders and NRL halfback Josh McCrone from St George Illawarra Dragons.[3]

October 2017

October started with Toronto paying £130,000 for the services of loose forward Joe Westerman from Warrington Wolves on a three-year deal.[4] Following this, the Wolfpack acquired hooker Andy Ackers from Championship side London Broncos on a two-year deal.[5] During this month it was revealed that the club would be releasing props Steve Crossley, Tom Dempsey and Shaun Pick whilst halfback Rhys Jacks and hooker Sean Penkywicz would also be released.[6]

November 2017

The fixtures for the 2018 season were released and it was revealed that Toronto would travel to relegated Leigh Centurions for the first game of the season, the Wolfpack will play their first 11 games away from home before they host Halifax RLFC on April 28. Toronto would also face Leigh during the annual Summer Bash as the headline match.[7] Club captain, Craig Hall, becomes another departing Wolfpack player, leaving on personal terms for family reasons.[8] The Wolfpack also announced a ground breaking Transatlantic Challenge which would see them face the Bradford Bulls in a pre-season match in 2018 and 2019, with the 2018 fixture being played at Odsal Stadium on 26 January and the 2019 fixture likely to be played in Canada or the United States to promote the sport.[9] Furthermore, Toronto agreed to change their UK base from Brighouse Rangers to Manchester Metropolitan University in order to take advantage of better facilities.[10]

December 2017

December started with the announcement that the Wolfpack would kick off the Magic Weekend in 2018 by playing against Toulouse Olympique in order to promote the international teams within the sport and also promote the RFL Championship to a wider audience.[11] It was also revealed that Toronto had signed forward Cory Paterson on a two-year deal from relegated Leigh Centurions.[12] Furthermore, the Wolfpack also signed forward Sam Hopkins and winger Adam Higson on a one-year deals from Leigh.[13][14]

January 2018

It was revealed that prop forward Dan Fleming wanted to remain close to home due to the birth of his first child and approached coach Paul Rowley to be released, this was granted and he signed a 2 year deal with Championship side Halifax RLFC.[15] Toronto announced that prop forwards Fuifui Moimoi, David Taylor and Ryan Bailey left the club by mutual agreement whilst on a pre-season camp to Portugal.[16] The Wolfpack revealed that newcomer Josh McCrone would captain the side for the 2018 season whilst ex Warrington Wolves prop Ashton Sims would be the club's vice captain. During a press conference for League 1 side Bradford Bulls it was announced that the Wolfpack had entered a dual registration deal with the Bulls.[17] The Wolfpack signed young centre Nick Rawsthorne from Hull F.C. on a 2 year deal and also prop forward Jack Buchanan from Widnes Vikings on a one year deal.[18][19] In their only pre-season friendly, the Wolfpack comfortably beat Bradford 34–0 with Liam Kay scoring two tries and Quentin Laulu-Togaga'e, Cory Paterson, Blake Wallace and Joe Westerman also scoring tries. Ryan Brierley took over the kicking duties and kicked five from six attempts.

February 2018

Life in the Championship started well for the Wolfpack as they beat fellow promotions contenders Leigh Centurions 34–12. Former Leigh player Liam Kay scored a hat trick whilst Ryan Brierley, Cory Paterson and Adam Sidlow also scored tries with Brierley rounding things off with five conversions. Following the opening day victory Toronto announced the signing of Australian centre Jake Butler-Fleming from League 1 side York City Knights.[20] A tough trip to Barrow Raiders saw the Wolfpack grind out a hard fought 8–8 draw in bad conditions, second row Andrew Dixon and centre Nick Rawsthorne both scored tries. Following this Toronto beat Championship stalwarts Halifax R.L.F.C. 20–8, superstar prop Ashton Sims made his debut in this match. Winger Adam Higson scored his first two tries for the club with Greg Worthington and Rawsthorne also crossing the line for a try each whilst Brierley kicked two goals. Toronto bolstered their pack by signing retired player Reni Maitua on a two year deal.[21] Round 4 found Wolfpack with a 47–16 loss to top of the league London Broncos which gave the Wolfpack their biggest loss so far, Dixon and Richard Whiting scoring tries whilst Liam Kay continued his try scoring form with a try. Brierley converted two goals.

March 2018

March found Wolfpack at the top of the Championship thanks to the wins over Easter against Featherstone Rovers 24–16. Game against Swinton Lions was their highest scored so far 52–12. Wolfpack strengthen their squad by signing Salford Red Devil's Fullback Gareth O'Brien[22] and NRL's Canterbury Bulldogs Centre Chase Stanley [23] . Impact of the signing was evident during the game against Batley Bulldogs 26–18 where O'Brien scored his first hat-trick for Wolfpack. Stanley made his first try for the team week later against Dewsbury Rams 23–12.

April 2018

Despite being plagued with injuries, Easter Monday win against Toulouse Olympique 24–22 followed by two more with Batley Bulldogs 26–18, Dewsbury Rams 23–12 continued Wolfpack dominance at the top of the table. NRL's Manly Sea Eagles Darcy Lussick[24] signing 3 year contract was a much needed addition to the Wolfpack. As Lamport stadium undergoes renovations, first home game was played in London against Halifax RLFC and won by Wolfpack 42-10.

May 2018

Prior their first home game of the season Wolfpack has signed Scottish international and Warrington Wolves Full-back Matty Russell.[25] With Lamport Stadium under maintenance, Canadian opener was played at Fletcher's Fields. Game against Swinton Lions was a decisive win for the Toronto Wolfpack 62–14. Clash with Super League's Warrington Wolves ended up in defeat 66-10 thus ending Wolfpack run for Challenge Cup 2018, while game against Toulouse Olimpique at Dacia Magic Weekend found team winning 43–30 with debut try for Matty Russell and 7th hat-trick for the Wolfpack by Liam Kay. With 25 points they continued to lead Championship Table. Last away game was played during Summer Bash 2018 with Toronto Wolfpack winning 28–26 against Leigh Centurions.

June 2018

Month of June found Wolfpack undefeated on their home grounds. Game against London Broncos, the only team Wolfpack lost to in the beginning of the season was a sound 32-12 victory. Gareth O'Brien started as a kicker against Dewsbury Rams and continued through the month with games against Barrow Raiders and Leigh Centurions, rivalry between Wolfpack and the former continues as Wolfpack won all three clashes.

July 2018

After the game against Sheffield Eagles (a 68–4 win), Toronto Wolfpack secured the Betfred Championship League Leaders Shield 2018. The Wolfpack had their first home defeat during the regular season against Featherstone Rovers (12–30).

Competitions

  Win   Draw   Loss

Pre-season friendlies

DateHomeScoreAwayVenueTriesGoalsAttendance
26 January Bradford Bulls0-34 Toronto WolfpackOdsal StadiumKay (2), Laulu-Togaga'e, Paterson, Wallace, WestermanBrierley 5/62,461

Challenge Cup

DateRndHomeScoreAwayVenueTriesGoalsAttendance
16 March4th Kells ARLFC6-56 Toronto WolfpackThe Recreation GroundKay (3), Rawsthorne (2), Ackers, Brierley, Laulu-Togaga'e, Pownall, WallaceBrierley 8/101,000
22 April5th Barrow Raiders12-16 Toronto WolfpackCraven ParkBeswick, O'Brien, RawsthorneBrierley 2/31,100
13 May6th Warrington Wolves66-10 Toronto WolfpackHalliwell Jones StadiumHigson, KayBrierley 1/36,507

Championship

Table

Pos Team Pld W D L PF PA PD Pts Qualification
1 Toronto Wolfpack 23 20 1 2 866 374 +492 41 The Qualifiers
2 London Broncos 23 16 1 6 907 423 +484 33
3 Toulouse Olympique 23 16 1 6 900 438 +462 33
4 Halifax 23 16 1 6 643 416 +227 33
5 Featherstone Rovers 23 16 0 7 819 420 +399 32 Championship Shield
6 Leigh Centurions 23 16 0 7 849 508 +341 32
7 Batley Bulldogs 23 8 0 15 523 703 −180 16
8 Sheffield Eagles 23 7 0 16 437 843 −406 14
9 Dewsbury Rams 23 6 1 16 424 746 −322 13
10 Barrow Raiders 23 5 3 15 382 816 −434 13
11 Swinton Lions 23 3 2 18 402 866 −464 8
12 Rochdale Hornets 23 4 0 19 327 926 −599 8
Source:

Results

DateRndHomeScoreAwayVenueTriesGoalsAttendance
4 February1 Leigh Centurions12-34 Toronto WolfpackLeigh Sports VillageKay (3), Brierley, Paterson, SidlowBrierley 5/75,452
11 February2 Barrow Raiders8-8 Toronto WolfpackCraven ParkDixon, RawsthorneBrierley 0/21,266
18 February3 Halifax6-20 Toronto WolfpackShay StadiumHigson (2), Rawsthorne, WorthingtonBrierley 2/52,036
25 February4 London Broncos47-16 Toronto WolfpackTrailfinders Sports GroundDixon, Kay, WhitingBrierley 2/31,205
4 March5 Swinton Lions12-52 Toronto WolfpackHeywood RoadBrierley (2), Butler-Fleming (2), Wallace (2), Ackers, Laulu-Togaga'e, PownallBrierley 8/9701
11 March6 Sheffield Eagles10-44 Toronto WolfpackOlympic Legacy ParkPownall (2), Whiting (2), Kay, Rawsthorne, Sidlow, WallaceBrierley 6/8863
23 March7 Rochdale Hornets17-18 Toronto WolfpackSpotland StadiumKay, Maitua, McCroneBrierley 3/4504
30 March8 Featherstone Rovers16-24 Toronto WolfpackPost Office RoadBrierley (2), Whiting (2)Brierley 4/63,131
2 April9 Toulouse Olympique22-24 Toronto WolfpackStade Ernest-ArgelèsRawsthorne (2), Ackers, Kay, PownallBrierley 2/53,513
8 April10 Batley Bulldogs18-26 Toronto WolfpackMount PleasantO'Brien (3), Bussey, McCroneBrierley 3/51,151
15 April11 Dewsbury Rams12-23 Toronto WolfpackCrown FlattHigson (2), Brierley, Maitua, StanleyBrierley 1/6, Brierley 1 DG932
28 April12 Toronto Wolfpack42-10 HalifaxNew River StadiumKay (2), Ackers, Beswick, Brierley, Lussick, PatersonBrierley 7/71,656
5 May13 Toronto Wolfpack62-14 Swinton LionsFletcher's FieldsKay (3), O'Brien (2), Dixon, Higson, Krasniqi, Rawsthorne, Sidlow, Stanley, WallaceBrierley 7/122,917
19 May14 Toronto Wolfpack43-30 Toulouse OlympiqueSt James' ParkKay (3), Brierley, Dixon, Hopkins, Russell, StanleyBrierley 5/8, Brierley 1 DG38,881[lower-alpha 1]
26 May15 Toronto Wolfpack28-26 Leigh CenturionsBloomfield RoadKrasniqi, McCrone, O'Brien, Paterson, RawsthorneBrierley 4/57,877
9 June16 Toronto Wolfpack32-12 London BroncosLamport StadiumPaterson (2), Brierley, Kay, McCroneBrierley 6/77,384
16 June17 Toronto Wolfpack64-12 Dewsbury RamsLamport StadiumO'Brien (2), Ackers, Buchanan, Kay, Lussick, Paterson, Rawsthorne, Russell, Stanley, WallaceO'Brien 10/115,937
23 June18 Toronto Wolfpack64-0 Barrow RaidersLamport StadiumKay (2), Rawsthorne (2), Wallace (2), Ackers, Beswick, O'Brien, Paterson, Russell, SidlowO'Brien 8/125,287
30 June19 Toronto Wolfpack46-28 Leigh CenturionsLamport StadiumWallace (3), Ackers (2), Russell (2), KayO'Brien 7/96,844
7 July20 Toronto Wolfpack68-4 Sheffield EaglesLamport StadiumHigson (2), Stanley (2), Beswick, Brierley, Dixon, Kay, O'Brien, Rawsthorne, Wallace, WhitingO'Brien 10/126,329
14 July21 Toronto Wolfpack64-18 Batley BulldogsLamport StadiumWallace (3), Ackers (2), Beswick, Brierley, Higson, Paterson, Rawsthorne, Stanley, WorthingtonO'Brien 4/6, Brierley 4/66,088
21 July22 Toronto Wolfpack52-10 Rochdale HornetsLamport StadiumWheeler (2), Ackers, Buchanan, Hopkins, Kay, Paterson, Sidlow, Stanley, WhitingO'Brien 6/107,144
28 July23 Toronto Wolfpack12-30 Featherstone RoversLamport StadiumSidlow, SimsBrierley 2/28,217

Super 8s

DateRndHomeScoreAwayVenueTriesGoalsAttendance
12 August24 Halifax0-14 Toronto WolfpackShay StadiumAckers, DixonO'Brien 3/31,768
18 August25 Toronto Wolfpack22-28 Hull KRLamport StadiumDixon (2), RawsthorneO'Brien 5/57,540
1 September26 Toronto Wolfpack34-22 London BroncosLamport StadiumCaton-Brown, McCrone, O'Brien, Stanley, WallaceO'Brien 6/67,557
8 September27 Salford Red Devils28-16 Toronto WolfpackAJ Bell StadiumAckers, Russell, SidlowO’Brien 2/32,509
15 September28 Toronto Wolfpack13-12 Toulouse OlympiqueLamport StadiumCaton-Brown, Rawsthorne, StanleyO'Brien 0/3, O'Brien 1 DG7,923[26]
22 September29 Toronto Wolfpack20-12 Widnes VikingsLamport StadiumPaterson, Russell, WallaceO'Brien 4/58,281
28 September30 Leeds Rhinos16-17 Toronto WolfpackHeadingleyPaterson, Rawsthorne, RussellO'Brien 2/4, O'Brien 1 DG11,565

Million Pound Game

DateRndHomeScoreAwayVenueTriesGoalsAttendance
7 OctoberMPG Toronto Wolfpack2-4 London BroncosLamport StadiumO'Brien 1/19,266

Squad statistics

Statistics include Championship, Challenge Cup and Super 8s matches, as of 9 October 2018.

No Player Position Age Apps Tries Goals DG Points
1 Quentin Laulu-Togaga'e Fullback 34 92008
2 Jonathan Pownall Wing 27 850020
3 Greg Worthington Centre 28 182008
4 Gary Wheeler Stand-off 28 102008
5 Liam Kay Wing 27 23230092
6 Josh McCrone Halfback 31 2850020
7 Ryan Brierley Scrum-half 26 2312822214
8 Jack Buchanan Prop 26 261004
9 Bob Beswick Hooker 34 2330012
10 Ashton Sims Prop 33 261004
11 Andrew Dixon Second-row 28 2780032
12 Joe Westerman Lock 29 60000
13 Jack Bussey Loose forward 26 161004
14 Andy Ackers Hooker 25 29110044
15 Adam Sidlow Prop 31 3560024
16 Reni Maitua Second-row 36 82008
17 Blake Wallace Stand-off 26 22140056
18 James Laithwaite Second-row 27 20000
19 Adam Higson Wing 31 1190036
20 Tom Armstrong Centre 29 00000
21 Olsi Krasniqi Prop 26 162008
22 Richard Whiting Second-row 34 2170028
23 Nick Rawsthorne Centre 23 18150060
24 Cory Paterson Lock 31 1590036
25 Jake Butler-Fleming Centre 26 12008
26 Ryan Burroughs Wing 27 00000
27 Quinn Ngawati Centre 19 10000
28 Sam Hopkins Prop 28 192008
29 Jacob Emmitt Prop 30 260000
30 Matty Russell Fullback 24 1060024
31 Gareth O'Brien Fullback 26 209682170
32 Darcy Lussick Prop 28 151004
33 Chase Stanley Centre 28 1690036
34 Mason Caton-Brown Wing 25 72008

Transfers

In

Nat Name Position Signed from Date
England Tom Armstrong Centre Widnes Vikings August 2017
Fiji Ashton Sims Prop Warrington Wolves September 2017
Albania Olsi Krasniqi Prop Salford Red Devils September 2017
Australia David Taylor Prop Canberra Raiders September 2017
Australia Josh McCrone Scrum half St George Illawarra Dragons September 2017
England Joe Westerman Loose forward Warrington Wolves October 2017
England Andy Ackers Hooker London Broncos October 2017
Australia Cory Paterson Second row Leigh Centurions December 2017
Wales Sam Hopkins Prop Leigh Centurions December 2017
England Adam Higson Wing Leigh Centurions December 2017
England Nick Rawsthorne Centre Hull F.C. January 2018
Australia Jack Buchanan Prop Widnes Vikings January 2018
Australia Jake Butler-Fleming Centre York City Knights February 2018
Australia Reni Maitua Second row Retirement February 2018
England Gareth O'Brien Fullback Salford Red Devils March 2018
New Zealand Chase Stanley Centre Canterbury Bulldogs March 2018
Australia Darcy Lussick Forward Manly Sea Eagles April 2018
Scotland Matty Russell Fullback Warrington Wolves May 2018
England Mason Caton-Brown Wing Wakefield Trinity July 2018

Out

Nat Name Position Club signed Date
England Steve Crossley Prop Bradford Bulls October 2017
Canada Tom Dempsey Prop Released October 2017
Canada Rhys Jacks Scrum half Released October 2017
United States Joe Eichner Second row Australia October 2017
Wales Sean Penkywicz Hooker Workington Town October 2017
England Shaun Pick Prop Sheffield Eagles October 2017
England Craig Hall Centre Leigh Centurions November 2017
England Dan Fleming Prop Halifax RLFC January 2018
Australia David Taylor Prop Sacked January 2018
Tonga Fuifui Moimoi Prop Sacked January 2018
England Ryan Bailey Prop Sacked January 2018
England Joe Westerman Loose forward Hull F.C. April 2018
Samoa Quentin Laulu-Togaga'e Fullback Halifax RLFC April 2018
England Tom Armstrong Centre Released April 2018
Australia Reni Maitua Second row Retirement April 2018

Milestones

Notes

  1. ↑ Aggregate number of visitors at the first day of Magic Weekend

References

  1. ↑ "Tom Armstrong Joins The Wolfpack". Toronto Wolfpack. 30 August 2017. Retrieved 27 October 2017.
  2. ↑ "Warrington prop Ashton Sims to join Toronto Wolfpack in 2018". Sky Sports. 12 September 2017. Retrieved 27 October 2017.
  3. ↑ "Toronto Wolfpack sign Dave Taylor, Josh McCrone and Olsi Krasniqi". Sky Sports. 13 September 2017. Retrieved 27 October 2017.
  4. ↑ "Joe Westerman: Toronto Wolfpack sign Warrington loose forward". BBC Sport. 1 October 2017. Retrieved 27 October 2017.
  5. ↑ "Toronto Welcomes Andy Ackers to The Pack". Toronto Wolfpack. 2 October 2017. Retrieved 27 October 2017.
  6. ↑ "Toronto Wolfpack Confirm Departing Players". Toronto Wolfpack. 20 October 2017. Retrieved 27 October 2017.
  7. ↑ "Toronto Wolfpack to face Leigh Centurions at 2018 Summer Bash". Sky Sports. 30 October 2017. Retrieved 1 November 2017.
  8. ↑ "Craig Hall Departs Wolfpack". Toronto Wolfpack. 8 November 2017. Retrieved 9 November 2017.
  9. ↑ "Bradford Bulls and Toronto Wolfpack launch Transatlantic Challenge". Telegraph & Argus. 24 November 2017. Retrieved 28 November 2017.
  10. ↑ "Wolfpack Announce New UK Training Base". Toronto Wolfpack. 28 November 2017. Retrieved 28 November 2017.
  11. ↑ "Toronto Wolfpack and Toulouse Olympique XIII to kick-off Dacia Magic Weekend". Toronto Wolfpack. 12 December 2017. Retrieved 3 January 2018.
  12. ↑ "Wolfpack sign Cory Paterson". Toronto Wolfpack. 20 December 2017. Retrieved 3 January 2018.
  13. ↑ "Wolfpack sign Sam Hopkins". Toronto Wolfpack. 20 December 2017. Retrieved 3 January 2018.
  14. ↑ "Wolfpack sign Adam Higson". Toronto Wolfpack. 20 December 2017. Retrieved 3 January 2018.
  15. ↑ "Dan Fleming Leaves Toronto Wolfpack". Toronto Wolfpack. 11 January 2018. Retrieved 11 January 2018.
  16. ↑ "Three Players Leave Toronto Wolfpack". Toronto Wolfpack. 17 January 2018. Retrieved 19 January 2018.
  17. ↑ "BULLS ANNOUNCE DUAL REGISTRATION WITH TORONTO WOLFPACK". Bradford Bulls. 22 January 2018. Retrieved 22 January 2018.
  18. ↑ "Nick Rawsthorne Joins the Pack". Toronto Wolfpack. 25 January 2018. Retrieved 26 January 2018.
  19. ↑ "Jack Buchanan Joins the Pack". Toronto Wolfpack. 26 January 2018. Retrieved 26 January 2018.
  20. ↑ "Jake Butler – Fleming Joins the Pack". Toronto Wolfpack. 5 February 2018. Retrieved 7 February 2018.
  21. ↑ "Reni Maitua Joins the Pack". Toronto Wolfpack. 23 February 2018. Retrieved 25 February 2018.
  22. ↑ "Toronto Wolfpack sign Gareth O'Brien from Salford Red Devils". Toronto Wolfpack. 12 March 2018. Retrieved 16 April 2018.
  23. ↑ "Toronto Wolfpack sign New Zealand international back Chase Stanley". Toronto Wolfpack. 24 March 2018. Retrieved 16 April 2018.
  24. ↑ "Darcy Lussick joins Toronto Wolfpack". Toronto Wolfpack. 12 March 2018. Retrieved 16 April 2018.
  25. ↑ "Matty Russell: Toronto Wolfpack sign Warrington Wolves full-back". Toronto Wolfpack. 1 May 2018. Retrieved 1 May 2018.
  26. ↑ "Toronto Wolfpack on Twitter". Twitter. Retrieved 17 September 2018.
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