Toronto won’t lose a home game, predicts former favourite Paterson

Ex-Toronto back-rower Cory Paterson believes his old club won’t lose any of their Super League games at Lamport Stadium this season.

The Wolfpack, who play their first top-flight game against Castleford on Sunday, don’t have a fixture in Canada until April 18.

But when that time does come around, the recently retired 32-year-old has predicted they will go unbeaten.

“I think they’ll be sweet ,” Paterson told Serious About RL. “I don’t think they’ll lose a game over there (in Toronto).

“I know it’s a big call but I don’t think they will. It’s not just the travel for the teams going over there, it’s the pitch, the time difference.

“It’s a beautiful big city and you can get overwhelmed by it . There are loads of distractions, particularly for the younger lads.

“I think the Wolfpack will be alright, they won’t get relegated.”

Paterson spent one season at Toronto in 2018, quickly becoming a fan’s favourite, scoring 11 tries in 18 appearances for the club.

Despite hanging up the boots, he still keeps a close eye on his former team and believes they should be given salary cap dispensation in their first Super League season.

“I’m for expansion and growth so if they need a little help I’m happy to give them it.

“I remember Melbourne Storm getting it in the NRL to help establish them and it’s the same with London here too, the cost of living is higher so it makes sense.”

After initially struggling with life after rugby league, Paterson now runs a café in the town of one of his other former clubs, Leigh.

His time in England also included a spell at Salford, and the former Indigenous All Star has high hopes for how they will perform this season.

“They’ve had some turnover, but that’s sport,” he said. “Ian Watson and Paul Rowley are good coaches so I hope they go well.

“As for Leigh, they have good spirit. That’s what separates Leigh from a lot of other teams.

“I definitely hope they go well, they’ve got a good chance (of promotion) for sure.”