Toronto Wolfpack - Pro Rugby League Team

                   Toronto Wolfpack - Pro Rugby League Team

Week 1 – Defense the story of the game

The Toronto Wolfpack rebounded from a 12-0 deficit to win 12-34. The Wolfpack’s defense was the story of the game.

The saying is your best offense is your best defense and that was the case for the Wolfpack. A few interceptions made by the Wolfpack included a crucial one by Cory Patterson which really shifted momentum. Also not to be forgotten is Liam Kay who had a hat trick of tries and Ryan Brierley who was also impressive today.

This is an important win for the Toronto Wolfpack as they beat the team that everyone in the Championship wants to beat with a healthy margin. Although it is only the first game this is an important game for the Wolfpack to gain not only points, but also point difference for a chance at promotion at the Super 8’s.

Their next game is against their fellow League One rivals from last year, the Barrow Raiders. Then they have two really tough games against the Halifax RLFC club and a week after in West Ealing against the London Broncos. When one includes the Centurions the Wolfpack just played… three of the first five road games for the Wolfpack are in the Championship league.

Leigh Centurions

Tries

Matty Dawson 1

Harrison Hansen 1

Goals

Ben Reynolds 1

Toronto Wolfpack

Tries

Liam Kay 3

Ryan Brierley 1

Cory Paterson 1

Adam Sidlow 1

Goals

Ryan Brierley 4/6

Adam Sidlow 1/1

                                                                                 Leigh Centurions - Founded in 1878

Week 2

Muddy Match Ends with Draw in Cumbria

The Toronto Wolfpack dominated the first half, however with Barrow’s stingy defense the Wolfpack could only get one try from Andrew Dixon and led 4-2 after the first 40 minutes. Both teams were denied a try in the first half including Barrow who almost scored at the end of half time.

The Wolfpack started well with a terrific try from Nick Rawsthorne. The Wolfpack looked like they were in control of the game until Quentin Laulu-Togaga'e made a mistake picking up the ball which allowed the Barrow Raiders to control the ball and score a try, the kick was converted and the game was tied 8-8.

Both teams had a chance to win the game in the last 10 minutes of the game but both the Wolfpack and the Raiders defense remained compact.

The Wolfpack has 1 win 1 tie and 0 losses. The next two games are going to be against extremely tough competition against Halifax RLFC next Sunday and in February 25^th when they face the London Broncos in West Ealing.

Barrow Raiders

Tries

Shane Toal 1

Goals

Jamie Dallimore 2/2

Toronto Wolfpack

Tries

Andrew Dixon 1

Nick Rawsthorne 1

Goals

Ryan Brierley 0/2

                                                                                 Barrow Raiders - Founded in 1875

Week 3

Toronto Wolfpack wins feisty defensive battle against Halifax RLFC

The Wolfpack won a very tightly disciplined game, where both teams played incredible defense. The Wolfpack got a try by Greg Worthington, but could have crumbled when they gave up a late try and field goal to Halifax RLFC in the dying seconds of the first half to give up the lead and trail 6-4 in the first half.

The Wolfpack were put at a disadvantage, where Wolfpack captain Josh McCrone was given a yellow card for a reckless high tackle that sidelined him for 10 minutes, making the Wolfpack one man short for 10 minutes. The Wolfpack defense was strong though and was able to prevent a try for the opposition. This was the turning point of the match.

Liam Kay broke free from the defense. And with several passes former Halifax RLFC player Nick Rawsthorne scored a try to make the game 10-6. The Wolfpack had a penalty a few minutes later, which Ryan Brierley converted, 12-6 Toronto.

The game was hotly contested and the Wolfpack put Halifax away with a try by Adam Higson and a field goal conversion by Ryan Brierley allowing Toronto to win 20-6 at The Shay in Halifax.

The Toronto Wolfpack will have a big game against the London Broncos at West Ealing. The London Broncos are looking very good this year with 3 wins in 3 games including the beat down against the Featherstone Rovers, one of the top teams in the Championship. The last time these two Championship sides faced each other was when the Wolfpack was still in League One, and where they upset the London Broncos 30-26 in West Ealing.

Halifax RLFC

Tries

Chester Butler 1

Goals

Steve Tyrer 1

Toronto Wolfpack

Tries

Adam Higson 2

Nick Rawsthorne 1

Greg Worthington 1

Goals

Ryan Brierley 2/4

                                                                                Halifax R.L.F.C. - Founded in 1873

Week 4 - Wolfpack gets destroyed by the London Broncos

The Toronto Wolfpack faced a superior opposition today against the London Broncos and seems to be a different team when the Wolfpack won 30-26 in London at the Challenge Cup last year.

The first half showed how good the London Broncos played. They made their tries through their tremendous speed and grit to get to a 21-12 lead. The first half was more of the Broncos playing well then the Wolfpack playing badly. The Wolfpack kept themselves in the game despite how the London Broncos was playing.

The second half however was where the Wolfpack collapsed. They made several errors with catching the ball, penalties, interceptions, and being a man down for 10 minutes in a controversial sending off for Andrew Dixon.

Like Barrow it might have been the field of play that might have played a difference. While in Barrow it was mental toughness… in London the field is meant for more of a running game than other rugby league fields. The Wolfpack has had the toughest stretch of games of any of the Championship sides so far.

The Wolfpacks next games are against the Swinton Lions on March 4^th and then Sheffield Eagles on March 11^th.

London Broncos

Tries

Api Pewhairangi 7^th minute

Matt Davis 12^th minute

Rhys Williams 28^th minute

Jordan Jonhston 52^nd minute

Alex Walker 64^th minute

Cunningham 69^th minute

Alex Walker 80^th minute

Field Goals

Jarrod Sammut 6/7

Penalties

Jarrod Sammut 25^th minute, 77^th minute

Drop Goal

Jarrod Sammut 40^th minute

Toronto Wolfpack

Tries

Rich Whiting 6^th minute

Andrew Dixon 35^th minute

Liam Kay 54^th minute

Field Goals

Ryan Brierley 2/3

Yellow Cards

Andrew Dixon 57^th minute

                                                                                   London Broncos - Founded in 1980

Week 5

Toronto Wolfpack too much for Swinton Lion’s Defense

The Toronto Wolfpack played a very good game today. They were able to break free several times from the defense and Johnny Pownall got a terrific try in the second half.

The Wolfpack started the positive play by getting a try in the first 5 minutes of the game. The Swinton Lions got a try back a few minutes later. However, from that time on the Wolfpack got several tries and blew open the game.

The story of the game was Jake Butler-Fleming who made a great impression on Sunday with a pair of tries. Ryan Brierley also played very well with an extremely high goal rate while Blake Wallace had four tries.

This game was a lot like the one against the Leigh Centurions as the Wolfpack were able to break free from the Swinton Lions defense several times, especially in the second half.

The Toronto Wolfpack have games now against the Sheffield Eagles who have no wins and 4 losses next Sunday.

Toronto Wolfpack

Tries

Blake Wallace 3

Jake Butler-Fleming 2

Andy Ackers 1

Ryan Brierley 1

Quentin Laulu-Togagae 1

Jonny Pownall 1

Goals

Ryan Brierley 8/9

Swinton Lions

Tries

Mike Butt 1

Luke Waterworth 1

Goals

Josh Woods 2/2

          Swinton Lions - Founded in 1866

Week 6 - QLT triumphant in his return to Sheffield

Both the defenses of the Wolfpack and the Sheffield Eagles played very well the first 20 minutes of the game, as turnovers was a constant theme with both teams. The Wolfpack finally broke with a string of passes from captain Josh McCrone to Blake Wallace to QLT (Quentin Laulu-Togagae) to Liam Kay for their firs try to lead 4-0. Richard Whiting had a snifty try and Busley and Adam Sidlow worked together to get the third try. Matt James got a late try in the dying minutes of the second half for the Sheffield Eagles by sneaking past the defenders to get the first try and their conversion was converted to make it 16-6 Toronto Wolfpack lead.

In the second half, the Wolfpack dominated with McCrone and QLT continuing to make great passes to their teammates like Nick Rawsthorne. Johnny Pownall looked good getting his second try and two games as the Wolfpack beat the Sheffield Eagles 44-10 despite a late game try by Ileas Macani for the Sheffield Eagles.

Bob Beswick of the Toronto Wolfpack got injured in the beginning of the game and did not return. It is something to look out for.

The Wolfpack have games agaisnt the Rochdale Hornets on Friday, March 23rd, Toulouse Olympique on Friday, March 30th and then the Toulouse Olympique on Monday, April 2th.

It is also worth noting that the Wolfpack's fourth round Challenge Cup game will be against Kells ARL on Friday, March 16th. Although doing a write up on the Challenge Cup games will be impossible to do if it is not shown on TV. 

Sheffield Eagles

Tries

Matt James 1

Ileas Macani 1

Goals

Oscarot Thomas 1/3

Yellow Cards

Matt James 1

Toronto Wolfpack

Tries

Jonny Pownall 2

Richard Whiting 2

Liam Kay 1

Nick Rawsthorne 1

Adam Sidlow 1

Blake Wallace 1

Goals

Ryan Brierley 6/8

                                                                               Sheffield Eagles - Founded in 1984

Week 7 - Wolfpack survive against the Rochdale Hornets in a Rugby League Classic

The Toronto Wolfpack did not play well and trailed for the majority of the game against the Rochdale Hornets. The Wolfpack signed another high profile signing of O’Brien from the Salford Red Devils made his debut today against the Rochdale Hornets.

The first half was probably one of the worst halves the Wolfpack have ever played. They fumbled passes, slipped on the grass, and fumbled the ball a lot. The Wolfpack gave up a try in the opening two minutes of the game to Earl Hurst from the Rochdale Hornets. There was a controversial try given to the Rochdale Hornets which was given to Gary Middlehurts plus a converted field goal by Lewis Palfrey to give Rochdale a 12-6 lead. The awful half by the Wolfpack had a lone try by Liam Kay made possible by a terrific pass from Richard Whiting who received the ball from Ryan Brierley’s kick. This kept the Wolfpack within striking distance heading into the second half.

The Wolfpack did not start the first half well giving up a try to Rob Massam at the start of the second half and trailed 16-6 after Palfrey failed to convert the field goal. The Wolfpack were in a bind, however they rebounded shortly after with a try from Wolfpack’s captain Josh McCrone and a conversion by Ryan Brierley. It was 16-12 Rochdale.

Things got a bit weird in the 63^rd minute as Gareth O’Brien and Lewis Palfrey got into a skirmish with each other. Both Lewis Palfrey and Gareth O’Brien were given a yellow card along with Liam Kay who was somehow involved with the skirmish. This gave Rochdale a 12-11 man advantage for 10 minutes.

The Wolfpack did get a try straight after the skirmish in the 64^th minute as Reni Maitua scored a try with his speed and power but Ryan Brierley failed to convert the field goal. The score was 16-16 and the game would go for a wild ride. Rochdale trying to get the win got a drop goal to lead 17-16 with 12 minutes of normal time left in the game. Three minutes later however the Rochdale Hornets were called for offside and a penalty was awarded to the Wolfpack. Ryan Brierley converted for the Wolfpack and the Pack lead 18-17 with 9 minutes to go in ordinary time. The Wolfpack blocked the Rochdale Hornets from scoring another drop goal and the Wolfpack squeak by with a 18-17 win against the Rochdale Hornets.

The injuries for the Wolfpack keeping piling up as Adam Dixon was injured in a training session which allowed Quentin Laulu Togaga’e (QLT) to play in the game. Gary Wheeler got injured by unsuccessful trying to stop Rochdale from scoring their first try and was substituted in the second minute.

Other players not mentioned above that also played well was QLT and Jack Bussey. Jack Bussey made some good runs and was a positive influence for the Wolfpack today. QLT made a game saving tackle to keep the score at 16-6 which allowed the Wolfpack to come back and win the game 18-17.

The Wolfpack will have to play better as they face some tough competition. On Good Friday (March 30th), the Wolfpack face the Featherstone Rovers, who are fourth in Championship and then on Easter Monday they travel to France to play first place Toulouse Olympique on April 2^nd.

Wolfpack coach Paul Rowley wants to create a reserve A team for the Toronto Wolfpack in the American league the USARL in a BBC interview hours after the match. Presumably this will be for Canadians and more specifically Torontorians to play and develop their skill over 14 matches.

Rochdale Hornets

Tries

Earl Hurst 1

Rob Massam 1

Gary Middlehurst 1

Goals

Lewis Palfrey 2/3

Drop Goals

Lewis Palfrey 0/1

Morgan Smith 1/1

Yellow Cards

Lewis Palfrey 1

Toronto Wolfpack

Tries

Liam Kay 1

Reni Maitua 1

Josh McCrone 1

Goals

Ryan Brierley 2/3

Penalties

Ryan Brierley 1/1

Yellow Cards

Liam Kay 1

Gareth O’Brien 1

                                                     

                                                                            Rochdale Hornets - Founded in 1871

Week 8 - Toronto Wolfpack wins big game against the Featherstone Rovers

First off the review of this game may not be as good as some of the other reviews I have done. The reason is that there was a time change with the game as it was in the afternoon not in the morning. What I do is normally tape the program at least the day before the game actually starts. And on Game TV the game was supposed to start in the morning so I taped that game not knowing that the game was being shown a few hours later. Apologies in advance as this write-up is based of the action tweeted by both the Wolfpack and the Rovers.

Chase Stanley made his Wolfpack debut today as the Wolfpack wins a thriller against the Featherstone Rovers. Martyn Ridyard got two attempts at a penalty as the Wolfpack looked a bit shaky. Martyn Ridyard converted on the second penalty a minute after missing the first one to lead 1-0.

Featherstone dominated the first 15 minutes, however the Wolfpack moved within 25 metres of the Rovers line because of a penalty and the Wolfpack was able to capitalize. Ryan Brierley scored the try for the Wolfpack and with the conversion good the Wolfpack were winning 6-2.

A brawl occured between the two teams which gave the Rovers a controversial penalty which Martyn Ridyard converted, 6-4 Wolfpack lead.

Rich Whiting then took over for the Wolfpack in the first half scoring two tries within 3 minutes, with one of them a successful conversion by Ryan Brierley and the Wolfpack lead 16-4 heading into the second half.

Both teams are close to scoring a try in the first three-four minutes before Martyn Ridyard scores the first try before failing in the conversion to make it 16-8 Wolfpack. Three minutes later Ryan Brierley scored a penalty goal to make it 18-8 Wolfpack.

Gareth O'Brien makes a fantastic run for 70 minutes before handing to Ryan Brierley for his second try of the game. Ryan Brierley converts and the Wolfpack lead 24-8 with 23 minutes of normal time left.

The Rovers though do not lose without fighting as Harry Newman passes it to Misi Taulapapa for the try to make it 24-12 after the failed conversion by Martyn Ridyard.

Luke Briscoe scored the last try of the game to make it 24-16 after another failed conversion by Martyn Ridyard but it was too little too late as the Wolfpack wins 24-16.

The Wolfpack are now second in the table as Toulouse Olympique beats up the London Broncos 36-16. The first ever non-British rugby league match in the British rugby league system will take place in Toulouse as the Wolfpack visits France for the first time in their history. Toulouse has one more point than the Wolfpack so if the Wolfpack can win this game they are looking real good to be one of the top two seeds in the Championship.

Featherstone Rovers

Tries

Luke Briscoe 1

Harry Newman 1

Martyn Ridyard 1

Goals

Martyn Ridyard 1/3

Penalties

Martyn Ridyard 2/3

Toronto Wolfpack

Tries

Ryan Brierley 2

Richard Whiting 2

Goals

Ryan Brierley 3/4

Johnathan McCrone 1/1

Penalties

Ryan Brierley 1/1

                                                                              Featherstone Rovers - Founded in 1902

Week 9 - Toronto Wolfpack gets huge but narrow win in Toulouse

This game was a story of two halves. One half Toronto dominated and in the other half Toulouse dominated.

The first 9 minutes was an even affair but then the Toronto Wolfpack kept putting pressure on Toulouse Olympique XIII. Toulouse’s defense was sharp but their lack of discipline gave Toronto many chances to score.

Finally the Wolfpack scored with a wonderful pass from Ryan Brierley to Jonny Pownall for the try, the kick was converted to make it 6-0 Wolfpack.

Then Wolfpack increased their lead by four points with a tackle by Gary Burgess that allowed Nick Rawsthorne to run away with the ball and passed it to Liam Kay for the Wolfpack’s second try.

Toulouse fought back had and got a try back. Tyla Hepi made a good pass to Rhys Curran who completed the try. Mark Kheirallah converted the kick and made it 10-6 game. However, the rest of the first half would belong to the Wolfpack. It started in the 35^th minute where Nick Rawsthorne went past three defenders to score for his team, making it 14-6 Wolfpack. Toulouse was denied a try for a forward pass which would later on prove costly for Toulouse. Toronto then pressured Toulouse forcing them to be tackled on their own endzone. This allowed the Wolfpack to maintain possession. Minutes later the relentless pressure and possession paid off. Ackers tricked the Toulouse defense with his dummy pass and went in for the try. Ryan Brierley converted the kick thus increasing Wolfpack lead to 20-6 at half time.

Wolfpack scored the first try in the second half as Nick Rawsthorne gathered the ball after Jack Buchanen forced the ball out of Toulouse’s hands. Ryan Brierley was 2/5 for kicks converted as he narrowly failed to convert the kick.

Toulouse Olympique XIII attacked and attacked after that. Toronto prevented game-changing tries three times from Toulouse Olympique XIII. The first one was where Tony Maurel of Toulouse was prevented from getting a sure try by being pulled off the field by Ryan Brierley, Johnny Pownall, and Craig Worthington. The second and third one was where Ryan Brierley and Blake Wallace made game-saving tackles that prevented Toulouse from scoring. And lastly, Liam Kay made a game saving tackle to prevent Toulouse Olympique XIII to score again.

Even with these game-saving tackles Toulouse Olympique XIII only lost by two points. One of Toulouse’s tries came from a mistake by a Wolfpack defender’s pass.

Toulouse Olympique XIII scored two tries in sixteen minutes with all the kicks converted by Mark Kheirallah. Clemont Boyer broke through the Wolfpack defense to score, then Mark Kheirallah came under the posts to score again for Toulouse. It was now only a 6 point game. At the 78^th minute Toulouse scored another try with Robin finishing the try thanks to the run of Mark Kheirallah and the pass from Mark Maurel. Mark Kheirallah up to this point was 3/3 with field goals and because of Ryan Brierley narrowly missed penalty kick Mark Kheirallah could tie the game. Thankfully for the Wolfpack Kheirallah missed, Liam Kay makes a try-saving tackle and the Wolfpack won the game 24-22.

Toronto is now sitting pretty with 7 wins 1 draw and 1 loss. This puts them in first place in Championship. The London Broncos lost to Leigh Centurions today making the Wolfpack first place for the first time by merit with least amount of losses of any team in the Championship. The Wolfpack will be at Batley to battle the Bulldogs on Sunday, face the Dewsbury Rams on April 15^th, and then close the month and the lengthy road trip with a game in neutral territory at New River Stadium, home to the London Skolars. As of right now, Wolfpack’s first home game of the seaseon will be at Lamport Stadium on May 5^th where they will play the Swinton Lions.

Toronto Wolfpack

Tries

Nick Rawsthorne 2

Andy Ackers 1

Liam Kay 1

Jonny Pownall 1

Goals

Ryan Brierley 2/5

Drop Goals

Ryan Brierley 0/1

Toulouse Olympique XIII

Tries

Clemont Boyer 1

Rhys Curran 1

Tony Maurel 1

Stan Robin 1

Goals

Mark Kheirallah 3/5

                                                                                   

                                                                              Toulouse Olympique XIII - Founded in 1937   

Week 10 - Toronto Wolfpack Defeats Batley Bulldogs with Incredible Second Half

The Wolfpack put on pressure from the beginning and got the first try of the game with Liam Kay's fantastic run and Wolfpack's captain's nifty leg work to score the try for the Wolfpack, the kick was converted by Ryan Brierley and it was 6-0 Toronto. Batley though came right back when they forced Wolfpack's assistant captain Ashton Sims to bobble the ball and turn the ball over. As a result the Wolfpack gave away two many penalties and in the end it cost them. Patrick Walker's forward kick to James Harrison, who finished for the first try for the Batley Raiders. Patch Walker converted and became a tie game at 6-6. Wolfpack made a big error where Wayne Reittie intercepted the hand off and ran unhindered to the endzone to score the try for Batley. Patrick Walker converted the kick and at halftime Batley Bulldogs led 6-12.

There was an injury to Wayne Reittie as he dived in the endzone, although he did not need to dive. He must have felt Ryan Brierley right behind him and dove for the try. Unfortunately for Wayne Reittie he did not return in the second half.

The second half though was a different story. The Wolfpack decided to go more to the right part of the flank to score where Jonny Pownall was in and it paid dividends. After defending for the first few minutes it was all Wolfpack. With a knock-on and a penalty by Batley, Toronto converted as Gareth O'Brien got his first try to make it 10-12 Batley. Gareth O'Brien scored again to make it 14-12 Wolfpack. Ryan Brierley missed the two kicks off Gareth O'Brien's first two tries.

Liam Kay made a huge impact today with his immense speed. He broke out many times from the Bulldog's defense and helped the Wolfpack with another try. Jack Buchanan who was back from injury did the dirty work for the try before passing it to Gareth O'Brien for the try, his third try of the game - a hatrick. Ryan Brierley converted, thus moving the score to 20-12 in Wolfpack's favour.

The Wolfpack kept on pressing and Ryan Brierley quickly moved to the left flank and passed the ball to Jack Bussey to successfully complete the try. Ryan Brierley converted the kick and Wolfpack led 26-12.

The Barrow Raiders like in the first half scores in the dying seconds of the second half. This started with a penalty and a yellow card rewarded to Sam Hopkins of the Toronto Wolfpack. Despite the strong defense by the Wolfpack. The offense was just a little bit better in this possession by Batley as they score the final try of the game. Patrick Walker converted the kick but it was too little too late. Wolfpack wins 26-18 against the Batley Bulldogs.

The Wolfpack have done exceptionally well by beating three very good teams in the last three games. They are sitting pretty at the top of the table and still have not played a home game yet this season.

Their next game in the Championship will be next Sunday against the Dewsbury Rams. Then the Wolfpack will travel to Barrow at Craven Park to take on the Raiders for the Challenge Cup on April 22nd.

Batley Bulldogs

Tries

James Harrison 1

Wayne Reittie 1

Goals

James Harrison 3/3

Toronto Wolfpack

Tries

Gareth O'Brien 3 

Jack Bussey 1

Josh McCrone 1

Goals

Ryan Brierley 3/5

Yellow Cards

Sam Hopkins 1

                       Batley Bulldogs - Founded in 1895

Week 11 - Toronto Wolfpack wins against Dewsbury Rams despite tremendous Rams Second Half Defense

The game began with Wolfpack penalties and the Dewsbury Rams drop balls as neither could capitalize on each other's mistakes.

Then the Wolfpack exploded scoring three tries in quick succession. The first one was through a Rams penalty allowing the Wolfpack to restart the series of tackles close to the Rams line. The Wolfpack took advantage immediately with a pass from Ryan Brierley to Reni Maitua for the try, 0-4 Wolfpack.

Wolfpack showed why there are the number 1 team in the Championship as the passing of the team was excellent. Furthermore Stanley made a good run and a tremendous off-load pass to Adan Hixon, who returned from injury for the try 0-8 Wolfpack.

The Wolfpack's last try came from a Ryan Brierley kick to Rams half of the field where Brierley and Dixon pressured the Rams with the kick. The Rams player made a mistake and they paid for it. A pass for Stanley for the try and it was 0-12 Wolfpack.

As dominant as the Wolfpack were in the first part of the first half, Ryan Brierley did not convert on any of his three kicks. This kept the Rams in the game.

Spiedman scores from a try that started with Brown's kick for the Rams. Sykes converts kick 6-12 Wolfpack. It looked like the Rams were about to score again but Adam Sidlow was there to prevent the try.

Greg Warringly of the Rams made the mistake of going behind one of his players, and a running penalty was given. Ryan Brierley decides to kick and succeeded in the penalty kick 6-14 Wolfpack. This was the score at half time.

In the second half, nothing much happened in the first few minutes of the game. Then the Wolfpack would add four more points after that with a Brierley pass to O'Brien pass to Hixon for the try. That was Hixon's second try of the game, a great way to return in a Wolfpack uniform. Unfortunately Brierley did not convert the kick, he was 0/4.

The Rams defense really picked up in the second half. Even with Wolfpack's ruthless pressure on the Rams, the Rams did not make the Wolfpack touch the ground of the try zone. The Wolfpack must have been on that try zone six times. There was a try of Reni Maitua's that was called off because it was offside.

Beswick's kick and the Wolfpack's pressurous persuit of that kick forced the Dewsbury Rams to make a mistake. The result of that was Brierley converting a drop goal making it 6-19 Wolfpack.

The Wolfpack were fortunate of not giving up a try as Greg Worthingly dropped an easy pass that had try written all over it.

Although Ryan Brierley did not have his best kicking days today, but for me he was the man of the match. He stole the ball at the Wolfpack's half and ran more than 100 metres for the try. Brierley misses the conversion and was 0/5 but he had a tremendous presence and made the right plays for the Wolfpack to win today.

The last try given to the Rams was really weird and confusing as the Rams were given a penalty try and Gareth O'Brien was given a yellow card to end the game.

There were injuries to Greg Wothington and Reni Maitua who both had to leave the game. Wolfpack fans though should be more concerned with Greg Worthington's injury as Reni Maitua contract ends at the end of next month.

The Toronto Wolfpack will play at Craven Park at Barrow for round 5 of the Championship on April 22nd. They then play at League 1's London Skolars grounds called the New River Stadium in north London against Halifax RLFC on April 28th because of renovations at Lamport Stadium in downtown Toronto. After that the Wolfpack return at home for the first time this year at Fletcher's Field in Markham on May 5th also because of ongoing renovations at Lamport Stadium in downtown Toronto.

Tries

Dewsbury Rams

Dom Speakman 1

Paul Sykes 1

Goals

Paul Sykes 2/2

Tries

Toronto Wolfpack

Adam Higson 2

Ryan Brierley 1

Reni Maitua 1

Chase Stanley 1

Goals

Ryan Brierley 0/5

Drop Goals 

Ryan Brierley 1/1

Penalty Kicks

Ryan Brierley 1/1

Yellow Cards

Gareth O'Brien 1

                                                                                Dewsbury Rams - Founded in 1898

Week 13 - Toronto Wolfpack Wins Game with Incredible First Half Performance and Physical Defense

Toronto Wolfpack for almost the whole of the first half was really pressuring Halifax RLFC. Bob Beswick passed to Lussick, who scored his first try in his first game as a Toronto Wolfpack player. Brierley converts, 6-0 Wolfpack. Bob Beswick almost scored again in the 6^th minute but was stopped by the post. The Wolfpack though kept the pressure coming. The second try was probably the best try of the afternoon as Higson and Pownall had to save the ball to not allow it to go out of bounds. Then Brierley kicked it to Liam Kay who made the terrific try for the Wolfpack to score the try. The kick was converted and the Wolfpack led 12-0 early on in the game.

Josh McCrone's kicking and passing almost led to another try but he played the ball too quickly and turned the ball over to the Halifax Rugby League Football Club.

The third try was an excellent quick play by Jack Bussey to get the try. Bob Beswick gets the try. The kick was converted and it is 18-0 Wolfpack. The fourth try came from a near interception by the other team. Brierley's pass was almost intercepted but Josh McCrone’s tip pass and Ackers run was instrumental to the try before giving the final pass to Ryan Brierley for the easy try. The kick was converted, 24-0 Wolfpack, which was the first half score.

The Wolfpack do find a try early on in the half however with Andy Ackers dummy before taking it all the way for the try. The kick was converted it is 30-0 Wolfpack.

Halifax RLFC do score shortly after and it was from an Adam Sidlow pass that was intercepted. Ryan Brierley cannot contain Sidlow's pass and Johnston steals it and passes it to Josh McGrath for the easy try. The kick was not converted 30-4 Wolfpack.

Halifax RLFC almost scored a second try in the first half with a good kick pass from Johnston, but was just out of reach for McGrath to get the ball to score the try.

The Wolfpack made some good defensive plays like Johnny Pownall and intecepted Johnston's pass.

The second half was tighter, mainly though because Halifax's defense played extremely well in the second half. Three times it looked like the Wolfpack were going to score but Halifax held their ground.

The Wolfpack do find a try early on in the half however with Cory Patterson who took a pass from Josh McCrone and fought off three defenders to score his first try for the Wolfpack after his 10 week injury.

Halifax RLFC do score shortly after and it was from an Adam Sidlow pass turnover. Ryan Brierley cannot contain Sidlows pass and Johnston steals it and passes it to Josh McGrath for the easy try. The kick was not converted 30-4 Wolfpack.

Halifax RLFC pressured the Wolfpack a lot in the second half, but when one felt like they were going to score they made a mistake (turnover, knock-ons, penalties drop balls, and passes intercepted). This proved to be their downfall as the Wolfpack took advantage of two Halifax RLFCs penalties. It all started with Ackers run, then the pass to Josh McCrone, who passed to Cory Paterson for the try 30-4 Wolfpack. The Wolfpack do find a try early on in the half however with Cory Patterson who took a pass from Josh McCrone and fought off three defenders to score his first try for the Wolfpack after his 10 week injury. It is now 36-4 Wolfpack.

The Wolfpack would finish with a try in the dying minutes of the game when Liam Kay of the Wolfpack catches a high pass and takes advantage of the overlap and scores a try in the 79th minute. Ryan Brierley was terrific with his kick today, a perfect 7/7 to end the game.  It ended with an emphatic 42-6 Wolfpack win. 

The Wolfpack are sitting pretty at first place, three points ahead of Toulouse Olympique XIII. This is despite playing all their games on the road so far this year (this game being on neutral venue). The Wolfpack have a home game at Fletcher's Park against the Dewsbury Rams in Saturday, May. 5 before going to their sixth round Challenge Cup game against the Warrington Wolves at Haliwell Jones Stadium on the weekend of May 12th. After that is two games at neutral venues against Toulouse Olympique XIII at St. James Park on April 19th and then another clash with bitter rivals: the Leigh Centurions at Bloomfield Road on April 26th.    

Halifax RLFC

Tries

Ben Heaton 1

Conor McGrath 1

Goals

Shane Grady ½

Toronto Wolfpack

Tries

Liam Kay 2

Andy Ackers 1

Bob Beswick 1

Ryan Brierley 1

Darcy Lussick 1

Cory Paterson 1

Goals

Ryan Brierley 7/7

                                                                               Toronto Wolfpack - Founded in 2016

Week 14 -  Wolfpack's class shown in Markham

The Wolfpack showed that they are in a different class than the Swinton Lions at Fletcher’s Park, Markham. A beautiful countryside setting in north of Toronto. This motivation might have come from Game 2 of the Raptors-Cavaliers series, where the Raptors were booed in their own building. About half of the Wolfpack roster was there to watch that game at the Air Canada Centre. 

The bottom team facing the top team in the Championship. The Wolfpack came into this game with 10 wins 1 tie and 1 loss, putting them one point ahead of the Featherstone Rovers for first place in the Championship. The Swinton Lions meanwhile had 0 wins 1 draw and 11 losses, their tie came against the Barrow Raiders.

The game started with turnovers committed by both teams. The Wolfpack struggled a bit in the first few minutes of the game committing a few penalties and the Lions converted. They decided to go for a penalty kick instead of trying to get a try and they convert the kick. 0-2 for the Swinton Lions.

However, a few minutes later Gareth O’Brien made a terrific run before passing it to Bob Beswick who passed it to Liam Kay for the try, Brierley was unable to convert, 4-2 Wolfpack. Home team then pressured the Lions for a try, Adam Sidlow almost got a try but was unsuccessful.

However, the Wolfpack broke through with passes from McBrone to O’Brierley to O’Brien and then the final pass to Chase Stanley who made a terrific run and scored for the Wolfpack. Ryan Brierley converted his kick, 10-2 Wolfpack.

Lions make a terrific catch from Tyson as they took back possession straight after the try. A penalty was called against the Lions and the Wolfpack almost scored but Higson threw a wild pass and the opportunity was wasted.

George Tyson with a terrific run, passed from number 5 to number 16 and the Lions scored a try. Kick was converted, 10-8 Wolfpack.

Gareth O’Brien made a mistake allowed the Lions to come close to the Wolfpack’s 20 meter line, but Cory Paterson saved the day by preventing a Lions try.

Nick Rawsthorne made a good run, McCrone passed it to O’Brien and O’Brien took advantage… 16-10 Wolfpack. Adam Dixon almost scored, fortunately Bob Beswick saw Auston Krasniqi and made a gret pass for the try. Brierley converts 22-8 Wolfpack.

Lions almost scored through a controversial penalty but it got called back for a knock-on.

A similar play happened in the second half where the Adam Dixon of the Wolfpack thought he scored but it was called off because of a knock-on.

Good teamwork by the Josh McCrone and Gareth O’Brien with a kick pass and tackle in the Swinton Lions field of play got Wolfpack the ball back. Cory Paterson almost scored as a result but time ran out and the first half score was 22-8 in favour of the Wolfpack.

The Wolfpack in the second half showed why there are in a different class than the Lions, where the headline of the game came from.

Firstly, incredible crisp passing from several Wolfpack players started by Josh McCrone. Liam Kay finished with the try, Brierley was not able to convert from a difficult angle. 26-8 Wolfpack lead.

Early in the second half Ryan Brierley dummy pass almost led to a try, but an errand pass from Adam Higson resulted in a turnover against the Wolfpack.

Gareth O’Brien with a dummy pass tip-toed bursted through the Lions defense for an incredible try. Brierley converts and 32-8 Wolfpack lead.

Cory Paterson I felt was the best defender in the game, as he took possession back for the Wolfpack by catching a Lions kick and giving the ball to Nick Rawsthorne. Rawsthorne ran all the way from his team’s half to covert another try for the Wolfpack. 36-8 Wolfpack, as kick was not converted.

Blake Wallace who came in the second half ran over 100 metres to score another try for the Wolfpack, kick is converted, 42-8 Wolfpack.

A kick pass from Brierley to Stanley almost worked for a try but Stanley could only tip the ball out of bounds and it was in Swinton’s possession.

The Wolfpack, though kept the pressure on and Adam Sidlow got another try despite 3 or 4 Lions players on him. Brierley converted and score stood at 48-8 lead.

Swinton, though did get some consolation try. Hensen’s passed to Mike Bum for the try, and the kick was converted and it became a 48-14 game.

Swinton only had a few seconds to be happy though as Liam Kay ran the entire field and scored his hat-trick try. Kick was not converted. 52-14 in favour of the Wolfpack.

Bob Beswick passed it to Ryan Brierley to Adam Dixon for the try. Brierley converted and it is a 58-14 lead.

Then in the dying seconds of the game, Wolfpack finished the game off with quick passing from Beswick to Brierley to Higson who finished the possession off with a try. Kick not converted, but the Wolfpack past the 60 mark as they won 62-14 at Fletcher’s Field.

Some good news for the Wolfpack. The Featherstone Rovers lost to Toulouse Olympique XIII allowing the Wolfpack to take a three point lead on both Featherstone and Toulouse for first place in the Championship table.

Swinton Lions

Tries

Austin

Butt

Goals

Hankinson 2/2

Penalties

Hankinson 1/1

Toronto Wolfpack

Tries

Liam Kay 3

Gareth O'Brien 2

Dixon

Higson

Krasniqi

Nick Rawsthorne

Adam Sidlow

Stanley

Blake Wallace

Goals

Ryan Brierley 7/12

                                                                                Toronto Wolfpack - Founded in 2016

Week 18 - Wolfpack gets revenge on the Broncos

In week 4, fans of the Wolfpack would remember that their only loss was against the London Broncos. However, it was not just a loss, it was a humiliating defeat where the Broncos dominated from beginning to finish. This game however was a different story.

The Wolfpack made some turnovers and handling errors early in the game, but was leading 12-0 mostly through good offense. Josh McCrone passes it to Cory Paterson for the first try of the game.
Then later on in the game Josh McCrone passes it to Gareth O'Brien who then passes it to Liam Kay for the Wolfpack's second try of the game. Wolfpack lead 12-0 early in the game.

For the Broncos first try of the game a Buchanen mistake followed by great passing by Broncos Manny G, who gives Sammut the ball for the easy try. Sammut of London converts the kick and it is a 12-6 slender Wolfpack lead.

The Wolfpack keeps the pressure on, getting a penalty kick which Brierley converted with ease.

The Wolfpack made a lot of high tackle penalties for the rest of the first half and it almost cost them at the end of the half. Walker passes it to a London Broncos player who had number 2 on his back, but Russell of the Wolfpack was there to dive and push the rugby ball out of bounds. The first half ends with the Wolfpack with a 14-6 lead.

In the second half, the Wolfpack played their best part of the game early on in the half. It started off with Wolfpack's captain Josh McCrone who passed it to Gareth O'Brien who makes a terrific run and shakes the defense off before giving the ball to Cory Paterson to finish the possession with a try. Brierley converts and it is a 20-6 Wolfpack lead.

The Wolfpack were not done there though. A series of passes that started with Gareth O'Brien who passed it to Greg Worthington who then gave the ball to Josh McCrone to finish the possession of with another try. Unfortunately, for Brierley, he missed an easy conversion but redeems himself with an penalty kick conversion later in the game to make it 26-6 Wolfpack.

Matty Fleming got a kick pass from Eli Quia who was knocked down by desperate Wolfpack defenders, but Eli Quia chases the ball and gets a touch for a second London Broncos try with Paterson lurking behind Eli Quia. 26-12 Wolfpack.

Wolfpack got penalized a lot after that Broncos try, getting a set of 6 tackles deep in Wolfpack's half of the pitch. However, the Wolfpack's strong defense prevented the Broncos from scoring.

The Wolfpack then start attacking again where Greg Worthington kept the ball alive and passed it to Josh McCrone whose kick hit London's posts and Pitt of the Broncos dove to keep the ball and gain possession for the London Broncos. They did push Pitt back though to his field goal area and the Wolfpack take possession back from the London Broncos.

Guys like Buchanen and Paterson really stepped up defensively and Gareth O'Brien got an intercepted pass. The Broncos would get possession again but another interception pass by Chase Stanley sealed the game in Wolfpack's favour.

For extra measure Ryan Brierley makes an extraordinary run to score the game's final try of the game. The conversion kick was converted and the game ends with the Wolfpack on the winning end of a 32-12 contest.

The Wolfpack will now face the Dewsbury Rams next week, followed by Barrow Raiders on Saturday, June. 23.

London Broncos 

Tries

Elliot Kear

Tom Spencer

Goals

Mark Ioane (2)

Toronto Wolfpack

Tries

Cory Paterson (2)

Ryan Brierley

Liam Kay

Josh McCrone

Goals

Ryan Brierley (5)

Penalties

Ryan Brierley (1)

                                                                                 Toronto Wolfpack - Founded in 2016