Toulouse Olympique became the second newly-promoted side to earn victory in round one, after they earned a shock two points over Wakefield Trinity.
The French side outplayed last year’s sixth placed team in all areas of the pitch, and full deserved the result, on what was their first game back in the top flight since 2022.
Both them and York Knights have more than proved that they belong in the top division, whilst Bradford Bulls ran Hull FC close, but they couldn’t convert their performance into points.
All three sides showed the doubters of the 14-team competition wrong, and if the opening weekend is anything to go by, 26 more rounds of results like that will make Super League one of, if not the most competitive campaign in it’s 30-year history.
Toulouse star Olly Ashall-Bott won Player of the Match in the victory, and he spoke to Sky Sports following the game to sum up their efforts, and what it means to get revenge on Wakefield.
Commenting on what was a frantic game, he said: “That last five minutes was a bit all over the place. But, this club and these boys are built on his hard work and heart. We might not have the most experience, but we’ve got the heart to go with it.”
Asked if they thought this result was possible before kick-off, he revealed: “I don’t know, we just always had that belief. We’re all confident all week.
“We had that Grand Final on the back of our minds a few years ago and it really hurt us. So to come back here and to get the win over Wakefield is massive for us.”
“It just shows, forget the IMG [gradings]. Every club’s competing.
“And I feel like with the new pace of the game, it’s going to be every game’s going to be close like that. Yeah, we’re just really excited to have a goal this season. You know, as long as we’re smiling at the end of every game, that’s all we’re about.”
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Toulouse Olympique boss reviews Wakefield Trinity victory
Boss Sylvain Houles was also asked for his thoughts after the game, and he was quick to praise some of his squad who have never played Super League before, including try-scorer Romeo Tropis.
“We’re very happy, said the Frenchman. “We work hard this pre-season to make sure we’re ready for this Super League. Obviously, to come to Wakey, where we knew it would be tough and to get the two points make us start very well this Super League season.
“I’m proud of the boys, proud of their efforts. We needed a big leap to the end. The boys look very good and sharp.
“…Some of the young boys that we saw today, there are some French kids, like Romeo Tropis, Benji Laguerre, Hugo Garrigues, they all came from our system, and I’m so pleased for them.
“To put them there, playing in Super League, their first game, and to get a win, I think it will be tremendous memories for them. Hopefully, there will be many more to come.”
Toulouse take on Castleford Tigers next week, in their first home game of the year. Houles is expecting another brilliant atmosphere at the Stade Ernest Wallon, and he hopes for a similar performance to the one his side produced this week.
Talking about the confidence the victory will do ahead of next week, the boss said: “I think it’s a good thing for our boys, but for our club in general, and to start the Super League.
“Like you say, we’re going to be back home. Hopefully, there’s going to be plenty of support now. I think this weekend has been tremendous in Super League, grounds are full.
“We need to play our part. We need to make sure we get good support and put on a good show at our home, and to make sure we bring something special to Super League.”
