Exclusive: Ex-Toronto Wolfpack star Blake Wallace opens up on owed money and Eric Perez

It was perhaps one of the most striking rugby league stories in the history of Super League when the Toronto Wolfpack were denied re-entry to Super League following their withdrawal in 2020.

The Canadian club made it clear that they could not fulfil their fixture list to the rising costs associated with the Covid-19 pandemic, but the rest of Super League refused to let them back in.

That sent off a spiral of events that eventually led to the Wolfpack exiting British rugby league after just four seasons, but with former owner and Australian mining magnate David Argyle still refusing to pay former players after numerous promises, there will forever be a stain next to the Toronto name.

And, for one former player, Blake Wallace, it’s been a difficult time.

“We’re still waiting on the money we are owed, but we’re not too sure when we will get it either,” Wallace said.

The halfback also had a spell with the Leigh Centurions in 2021, but managed only a handful of appearances before being forced into retirement due to concussion problems.

“I loved my time at both clubs,” Wallace added

“I’m extremely grateful I got the opportunity to play the game I love professionally and can’t thank both Toronto and Leigh enough for giving me that opportunity.”

Eric Perez, the main behind both Canadian adventures in Toronto and Ottawa, has now moved on to a third destination – this time in the UK.

After securing Hemel’s League 1 license, Perez shifted down to the south east to form Cornwall RLFC.

And, despite reservations from a bulk of the rugby league community, Wallace is hoping for its success.

“I wish Eric all the best with Cornwall.

“I’m all for expansion so I hope it all works out.”

The 29-year-old has since returned to Australia to coach his local side the Dapto Canaries.