Toronto and GMB reach agreement on pay

Toronto Wolfpack and the players’ union GMB have agreed a deal that will see the players get their remaining salaries.

The deal will see the new owners take up the commitment should the Wolfpack be allowed back into the Super League in 2021. These liabilities cost in excess of £1m.

The Wolfpack withdrew from the Super League back in July amid the financial pressures placed onto them by the global pandemic.

As a club, they had no access to the £16m loan handed out by the UK government to help the game. They also couldn’t access the furlough scheme.

A decision is due on the Wolfpack’s Super League status soon.

Wolfpack CEO Bob Hunter said: “A primary commitment from the prospective new ownership group has been from day 1 to ensure that all player payroll liabilities are met in full and we are very grateful that the Wolf Grooming group have stepped up on this issue when those liabilities are legally the responsibility of the current owner David Argyle.

“We would like to thank GMB representatives for their positive approach during these negotiations, in what has been a very challenging period for the Club and in particular our players.

“We just hope now that we are able to finish the job and our application for a return to Super League is successful so that the players and their families can receive these much-needed funds.”

GMB Players’ rep Gareth Carvell added: “We understand the game needs to be assured on the financial status of the new ownership group, but I feel the best test of due diligence on the new ownership of the Wolfpack is this agreement to repay the players for their 2020 payroll commitments, a liability which is not even the new owner’s legal responsibility.

“We strongly urge the Super League Clubs to make the right decision for the players and the game and reinstate the Wolfpack to Super League.”