Going Global! Toronto Wolfpack 2019 Season Review

They did it! Toronto Wolfpack achieved their Super League status which means the competition is going transatlantic!

Despite a heavily split opinion in the rugby league world over this, let’s face it, the sport becoming exposed to such a huge audience out there is an almighty positive!

Toronto have battled over the past three years, winning the League 1 title followed by back-to-back Championship titles before undoing their mistakes of 2018 this year.

Now the Super League clubs have a chance of not only expanding their identities to such an audience but also can possibly share an honour with Toronto of growing the game in such a part of the world.

Fully deserved of their promotion as we look back at such a landmark season in the sport as shown by the Wolfpack.

Best Result – Toronto Wolfpack 24-6 Featherstone Rovers

True, they had so many heavier wins but their Million Pound Match triumph over Featherstone Rovers is easily their most memorable match of 2019!

Toronto put their 2018 narrow defeat in such a game well and truly behind them as they overcame a spirited fight from the Rovers to move up to the Betfred Super League.

The visitors started the better, scoring first through Alex Sutcliffe before Toronto responded with a try from Josh McCrone.

With the match evenly balanced, the Wolfpack’s superior fitness and resolve came through thanks to further tries from Blake Wallace, Bodene Thompson and Joe Mellor without response put the game to bed.

The record crowd witnessed rugby league history as Toronto became the first team outside of Europe to feature in the Super League, taking the top flight of sport in the Northern Hemisphere global from 2020!

 

Worst Result – Toulouse Olympique 46-16 Toronto Wolfpack

Stating the obvious, without a doubt, as their one and only defeat of 2019 has to be their worst result when they travelled to promotion rivals Toulouse Olympique.

The Wolfpack initially led 16-6 at half-time thanks to tries from Wallace, Ricky Leutele and Bob Beswick were in response to Dean Parata’s early effort.

But the French came out firing as two tries apiece from Stan Robin and Mark Kheirallah plus a try each from Gavin Marguerite and Rhys Curran blitzed the visitors, who could not even score in the second period for their troubles.

A humbling result and a surprisingly heavy one and full credit to Toulouse to showing Toronto just what they are capable of.

Though the Wolfpack would have the last laugh, going on a 100% winning record, you know the rest.

 

Main Man – Gareth O’Brien

Another obvious choice and it is the official 2019 Betfred Championship Player of the Year Gareth O’Brien.

If anyone has experience of winning when it matters most, O’Brien is the man.

Three years ago, he was previously crowned the ‘saviour’ when he slotted over a historic drop-goal to ensure Salford Red Devils’ Super League survival.

Though he moved to Toronto for a stint in the Championship, he has flourished during his time here!

Scoring up to 17 tries and slotting over 83 goals arguably inspired a dominant season for the Wolfpack.

Not forgetting his assists, kicking game and support play at full-back ad surely more to follow when he returns to the top flight!

 

Predicted 1^st – Finished – 1^st  

Not much of a surprise, the heavy spending Wolfpack were everyone’s favourites to finish top and they lived up to expectation.

Money they earn themselves and well spent as they swept all aside and claimed their deserved spot in the Super League!

Their status as a full-time club may have had an impact on their dominance, that and any possible ‘jet-lag’ their opposition might have had to live with.

But when they got on that field, they played some immense rugby league, totalling 1010 points scored says it all.

Make no mistake, life in the top flight will be much more difficult and they will have an almighty fight on their hands should they wish to remain in the Super League and keep the sport sweet across the Atlantic.