2018 Toronto Wolfpack season
2018 Toronto Wolfpack season | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Championship Rank | 1st | |||
Play-off result | Runners Up | |||
Challenge Cup | 6th Round | |||
2018 record | Wins: 27; draws: 1; losses: 6 | |||
Points scored | For: 1086; against: 580 | |||
Team information | ||||
CEO | Eric Perez | |||
Head Coach | Paul Rowley | |||
Captain | ||||
Stadium | Lamport Stadium | |||
Avg. attendance | 6,908 | |||
Agg. attendance | 96,714 | |||
High attendance | 9,266 (vs. London Broncos) | |||
Top scorers | ||||
Tries | Liam Kay (26) | |||
Goals | Ryan Brierley (82) | |||
Points | Ryan Brierley (214) | |||
|
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.[citation needed]
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
Date | Home | Score | Away | Venue | Tries | Goals | Attendance |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
26 January | Bradford Bulls | 0-34 | Toronto Wolfpack | Odsal Stadium | Kay (2), Laulu-Togaga'e, Paterson, Wallace, Westerman | Brierley 5/6 | 2,461 |
Challenge Cup
Date | Rnd | Home | Score | Away | Venue | Tries | Goals | Attendance |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
16 March | 4th | Kells ARLFC | 6-56 | Toronto Wolfpack | The Recreation Ground | Kay (3), Rawsthorne (2), Ackers, Brierley, Laulu-Togaga'e, Pownall, Wallace | Brierley 8/10 | 1,000 |
22 April | 5th | Barrow Raiders | 12-16 | Toronto Wolfpack | Craven Park | Beswick, O'Brien, Rawsthorne | Brierley 2/3 | 1,100 |
13 May | 6th | Warrington Wolves | 66-10 | Toronto Wolfpack | Halliwell Jones Stadium | Higson, Kay | Brierley 1/3 | 6,507 |
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 |
Results
Super 8s
Date | Rnd | Home | Score | Away | Venue | Tries | Goals | Attendance |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
12 August | 24 | Halifax | 0-14 | Toronto Wolfpack | Shay Stadium | Ackers, Dixon | O'Brien 3/3 | 1,768 |
18 August | 25 | Toronto Wolfpack | 22-28 | Hull KR | Lamport Stadium | Dixon (2), Rawsthorne | O'Brien 5/5 | 7,540 |
1 September | 26 | Toronto Wolfpack | 34-22 | London Broncos | Lamport Stadium | Caton-Brown, McCrone, O'Brien, Stanley, Wallace | O'Brien 6/6 | 7,557 |
8 September | 27 | Salford Red Devils | 28-16 | Toronto Wolfpack | AJ Bell Stadium | Ackers, Russell, Sidlow | O’Brien 2/3 | 2,509 |
15 September | 28 | Toronto Wolfpack | 13-12 | Toulouse Olympique | Lamport Stadium | Caton-Brown, Rawsthorne, Stanley | O'Brien 0/3, O'Brien 1 DG | 7,923[26] |
22 September | 29 | Toronto Wolfpack | 20-12 | Widnes Vikings | Lamport Stadium | Paterson, Russell, Wallace | O'Brien 4/5 | 8,281 |
28 September | 30 | Leeds Rhinos | 16-17 | Toronto Wolfpack | Headingley | Paterson, Rawsthorne, Russell | O'Brien 2/4, O'Brien 1 DG | 11,565 |
Million Pound Game
Date | Rnd | Home | Score | Away | Venue | Tries | Goals | Attendance |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
7 October | MPG | Toronto Wolfpack | 2-4 | London Broncos | Lamport Stadium | O'Brien 1/1 | 9,266 |
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 | 9 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 8 |
2 | Jonathan Pownall | Wing | 27 | 8 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 20 |
3 | Greg Worthington | Centre | 28 | 18 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 8 |
4 | Gary Wheeler | Stand-off | 28 | 10 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 8 |
5 | Liam Kay | Wing | 27 | 23 | 23 | 0 | 0 | 92 |
6 | Josh McCrone | Halfback | 31 | 28 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 20 |
7 | Ryan Brierley | Scrum-half | 26 | 23 | 12 | 82 | 2 | 214 |
8 | Jack Buchanan | Prop | 26 | 26 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 |
9 | Bob Beswick | Hooker | 34 | 23 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 12 |
10 | Ashton Sims | Prop | 33 | 26 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 |
11 | Andrew Dixon | Second-row | 28 | 27 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 32 |
12 | Joe Westerman | Lock | 29 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
13 | Jack Bussey | Loose forward | 26 | 16 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 |
14 | Andy Ackers | Hooker | 25 | 29 | 11 | 0 | 0 | 44 |
15 | Adam Sidlow | Prop | 31 | 35 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 24 |
16 | Reni Maitua | Second-row | 36 | 8 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 8 |
17 | Blake Wallace | Stand-off | 26 | 22 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 56 |
18 | James Laithwaite | Second-row | 27 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
19 | Adam Higson | Wing | 31 | 11 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 36 |
20 | Tom Armstrong | Centre | 29 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
21 | Olsi Krasniqi | Prop | 26 | 16 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 8 |
22 | Richard Whiting | Second-row | 34 | 21 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 28 |
23 | Nick Rawsthorne | Centre | 23 | 18 | 15 | 0 | 0 | 60 |
24 | Cory Paterson | Lock | 31 | 15 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 36 |
25 | Jake Butler-Fleming | Centre | 26 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 8 |
26 | Ryan Burroughs | Wing | 27 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
27 | Quinn Ngawati | Centre | 19 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
28 | Sam Hopkins | Prop | 28 | 19 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 8 |
29 | Jacob Emmitt | Prop | 30 | 26 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
30 | Matty Russell | Fullback | 24 | 10 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 24 |
31 | Gareth O'Brien | Fullback | 26 | 20 | 9 | 68 | 2 | 170 |
32 | Darcy Lussick | Prop | 28 | 15 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 |
33 | Chase Stanley | Centre | 28 | 16 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 36 |
34 | Mason Caton-Brown | Wing | 25 | 7 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 8 |
Transfers
In
Out
Nat | Name | Position | Club signed | Date |
---|---|---|---|---|
Steve Crossley | Prop | Bradford Bulls | October 2017 | |
Tom Dempsey | Prop | Released | October 2017 | |
Rhys Jacks | Scrum half | Released | October 2017 | |
Joe Eichner | Second row | Australia | October 2017 | |
Sean Penkywicz | Hooker | Workington Town | October 2017 | |
Shaun Pick | Prop | Sheffield Eagles | October 2017 | |
Craig Hall | Centre | Leigh Centurions | November 2017 | |
Dan Fleming | Prop | Halifax RLFC | January 2018 | |
David Taylor | Prop | Sacked | January 2018 | |
Fuifui Moimoi | Prop | Sacked | January 2018 | |
Ryan Bailey | Prop | Sacked | January 2018 | |
Joe Westerman | Loose forward | Hull F.C. | April 2018 | |
Quentin Laulu-Togaga'e | Fullback | Halifax RLFC | April 2018 | |
Tom Armstrong | Centre | Released | April 2018 | |
Reni Maitua | Second row | Retirement | April 2018 |
Milestones
- Round 1: Josh McCrone, Jack Buchanan, Joe Westerman, Andy Ackers, Adam Higson, Nick Rawsthorne, Cory Paterson and Sam Hopkins made their debut for the Wolfpack.
- Round 1: Liam Kay scored his 4th hat-trick for the Wolfpack.
- Round 1: Cory Paterson scored his 1st try for the Wolfpack.
- Round 1: Ryan Brierley kicked his 1st goal for the Wolfpack.
- Round 2: Olsi Krasniqi made his debut for the Wolfpack.
- Round 3: Ashton Sims made his debut for the Wolfpack.
- Round 3: Adam Higson scored his 1st try for the Wolfpack.
- Round 5: Jake Butler-Fleming and Reni Maitua made their debut for the Wolfpack.
- Round 5: Jake Butler-Fleming scored his 1st try for the Wolfpack.
- Round 6: Ryan Brierley reached 100 points for the Wolfpack.
- CCR4: Liam Kay scored his 5th hat-trick for the Wolfpack.
- Round 7: Gareth O'Brien made his debut for the Wolfpack.
- Round 7: Reni Maitua and Josh McCrone scored their 1st try for the Wolfpack.
- Round 8: Chase Stanley made his debut for the Wolfpack.
- Round 10: Gareth O'Brien scored his 1st try for the Wolfpack.
- Round 10: Gareth O'Brien scored his 1st hat-trick for the Wolfpack.
- Round 11: Chase Stanley scored his 1st try for the Wolfpack.
- Round 11: Ryan Brierley kicked his 1st drop goal for the Wolfpack.
- CCR5: Darcy Lussick made his debut for the Wolfpack.
- Round 12: Darcy Lussick scored his 1st try for the Wolfpack.
- Round 13: Olsi Krasniqi scored his 1st try for the Wolfpack.
- Round 13: Liam Kay scored his 6th hat-trick for the Wolfpack.
- Round 13: Ryan Brierley reached 200 points for the Wolfpack.
- Round 14: Matty Russell made his debut for the Wolfpack.
- Round 14: Sam Hopkins and Matty Russell scored their 1st try for the Wolfpack.
- Round 14: Liam Kay scored his 7th hat-trick for the Wolfpack.
- Round 17: Jack Buchanan scored his 1st try for the Wolfpack.
- Round 17: Gareth O'Brien kicked his 1st goal for the Wolfpack.
- Round 18: Liam Kay scored his 50th try and reached 200 points for the Wolfpack.
- Round 18: Blake Wallace scored his 25th try and reached 100 points for the Wolfpack.
- Round 19: Blake Wallace scored his 3rd hat-trick for the Wolfpack.
- Round 21: Blake Wallace scored his 4th hat-trick for the Wolfpack.
- Round 21: Ryan Brierley scored his 25th try for the Wolfpack.
- Round 23: Ashton Sims scored his 1st try for the Wolfpack.
- Qualifier 2: Mason Caton-Brown made his debut for the Wolfpack.
- Qualifier 2: Adam Sidlow made his 50th appearance for the Wolfpack.
- Qualifier 3: Mason Caton-Brown scored his 1st try for the Wolfpack.
- Qualifier 5: Gareth O'Brien kicked his 1st drop goal for the Wolfpack.
Notes
- ^ Aggregate number of visitors at the first day of Magic Weekend
References
- ^ "Tom Armstrong Joins The Wolfpack". Toronto Wolfpack. 30 August 2017. Retrieved 27 October 2017.[permanent dead link ]
- ^ "Warrington prop Ashton Sims to join Toronto Wolfpack in 2018". Sky Sports. 12 September 2017. Retrieved 27 October 2017.
- ^ "Toronto Wolfpack sign Dave Taylor, Josh McCrone and Olsi Krasniqi". Sky Sports. 13 September 2017. Retrieved 27 October 2017.
- ^ "Joe Westerman: Toronto Wolfpack sign Warrington loose forward". BBC Sport. 1 October 2017. Retrieved 27 October 2017.
- ^ "Toronto Welcomes Andy Ackers to The Pack". Toronto Wolfpack. 2 October 2017. Retrieved 27 October 2017.[permanent dead link ]
- ^ "Toronto Wolfpack Confirm Departing Players". Toronto Wolfpack. 20 October 2017. Retrieved 27 October 2017.[permanent dead link ]
- ^ "Toronto Wolfpack to face Leigh Centurions at 2018 Summer Bash". Sky Sports. 30 October 2017. Retrieved 1 November 2017.
- ^ "Craig Hall Departs Wolfpack". Toronto Wolfpack. 8 November 2017. Retrieved 9 November 2017.[permanent dead link ]
- ^ "Bradford Bulls and Toronto Wolfpack launch Transatlantic Challenge". Telegraph & Argus. 24 November 2017. Retrieved 28 November 2017.
- ^ "Wolfpack Announce New UK Training Base". Toronto Wolfpack. 28 November 2017. Retrieved 28 November 2017.[permanent dead link ]
- ^ "Toronto Wolfpack and Toulouse Olympique XIII to kick-off Dacia Magic Weekend". Toronto Wolfpack. 12 December 2017. Retrieved 3 January 2018.[permanent dead link ]
- ^ "Wolfpack sign Cory Paterson". Toronto Wolfpack. 20 December 2017. Retrieved 3 January 2018.[permanent dead link ]
- ^ "Wolfpack sign Sam Hopkins". Toronto Wolfpack. 20 December 2017. Retrieved 3 January 2018.[permanent dead link ]
- ^ "Wolfpack sign Adam Higson". Toronto Wolfpack. 20 December 2017. Retrieved 3 January 2018.[permanent dead link ]
- ^ "Dan Fleming Leaves Toronto Wolfpack". Toronto Wolfpack. 11 January 2018. Retrieved 11 January 2018.[permanent dead link ]
- ^ "Three Players Leave Toronto Wolfpack". Toronto Wolfpack. 17 January 2018. Retrieved 19 January 2018.[permanent dead link ]
- ^ "BULLS ANNOUNCE DUAL REGISTRATION WITH TORONTO WOLFPACK". Bradford Bulls. 22 January 2018. Retrieved 22 January 2018.
- ^ "Nick Rawsthorne Joins the Pack". Toronto Wolfpack. 25 January 2018. Retrieved 26 January 2018.[permanent dead link ]
- ^ "Jack Buchanan Joins the Pack". Toronto Wolfpack. 26 January 2018. Retrieved 26 January 2018.[permanent dead link ]
- ^ "Jake Butler – Fleming Joins the Pack". Toronto Wolfpack. 5 February 2018. Retrieved 7 February 2018.[permanent dead link ]
- ^ "Reni Maitua Joins the Pack". Toronto Wolfpack. 23 February 2018. Retrieved 25 February 2018.[permanent dead link ]
- ^ "Toronto Wolfpack sign Gareth O'Brien from Salford Red Devils". Toronto Wolfpack. 12 March 2018. Retrieved 16 April 2018.
- ^ "Toronto Wolfpack sign New Zealand international back Chase Stanley". Toronto Wolfpack. 24 March 2018. Retrieved 16 April 2018.
- ^ "Darcy Lussick joins Toronto Wolfpack". Toronto Wolfpack. 12 March 2018. Retrieved 16 April 2018.
- ^ "Matty Russell: Toronto Wolfpack sign Warrington Wolves full-back". Toronto Wolfpack. 1 May 2018. Retrieved 1 May 2018.
- ^ "Toronto Wolfpack on Twitter". Twitter. Retrieved 17 September 2018.