2018 Toronto Wolfpack season

After winning the 2017 League 1 season and promotion to the Championship, Toronto immediately sought to improve their squad as they announced that centre Tom Armstrong had signed from Super League side Widnes Vikings.[1] Warrington Wolves prop forward Ashton Sims signed for the Wolfpack on a 2-year deal.[2] Albanian prop Olsi Krasniqi was the next to sign from Salford Red Devils along with Australian prop David Taylor from Canberra Raiders and NRL halfback Josh McCrone from St George Illawarra Dragons.[3]

October started with Toronto paying £130,000 for the services of loose forward Joe Westerman from Warrington Wolves on a three-year deal.[4] Following this, the Wolfpack acquired hooker Andy Ackers from Championship side London Broncos on a two-year deal.[5] During this month it was revealed that the club would be releasing props Steve Crossley, Tom Dempsey and Shaun Pick whilst halfback Rhys Jacks and hooker Sean Penkywicz would also be released.[6]

The fixtures for the 2018 season were released and it was revealed that Toronto would travel to relegated Leigh Centurions for the first game of the season, the Wolfpack will play their first 11 games away from home before they host Halifax RLFC on April 28. Toronto would also face Leigh during the annual Summer Bash as the headline match.[7] Club captain, Craig Hall, becomes another departing Wolfpack player, leaving on personal terms for family reasons.[8] The Wolfpack also announced a ground breaking Transatlantic Challenge which would see them face the Bradford Bulls in a pre-season match in 2018 and 2019, with the 2018 fixture being played at Odsal Stadium on 26 January and the 2019 fixture likely to be played in Canada or the United States to promote the sport.[9] Furthermore, Toronto agreed to change their UK base from Brighouse Rangers to Manchester Metropolitan University in order to take advantage of better facilities.[10]

December started with the announcement that the Wolfpack would kick off the Magic Weekend in 2018 by playing against Toulouse Olympique in order to promote the international teams within the sport and also promote the RFL Championship to a wider audience.[11] It was also revealed that Toronto had signed forward Cory Paterson on a two-year deal from relegated Leigh Centurions.[12] Furthermore, the Wolfpack also signed forward Sam Hopkins and winger Adam Higson on a one-year deals from Leigh.[13][14]

It was revealed that prop forward Dan Fleming wanted to remain close to home due to the birth of his first child and approached coach Paul Rowley to be released, this was granted and he signed a 2 year deal with Championship side Halifax RLFC.[15] Toronto announced that prop forwards Fuifui Moimoi, David Taylor and Ryan Bailey left the club by mutual agreement whilst on a pre-season camp to Portugal.[16] The Wolfpack revealed that newcomer Josh McCrone would captain the side for the 2018 season whilst ex Warrington Wolves prop Ashton Sims would be the club's vice captain. During a press conference for League 1 side Bradford Bulls it was announced that the Wolfpack had entered a dual registration deal with the Bulls.[17] The Wolfpack signed young centre Nick Rawsthorne from Hull F.C. on a 2 year deal and also prop forward Jack Buchanan from Widnes Vikings on a one year deal.[18][19] In their only pre-season friendly, the Wolfpack comfortably beat Bradford 34–0 with Liam Kay scoring two tries and Quentin Laulu-Togaga'e, Cory Paterson, Blake Wallace and Joe Westerman also scoring tries. Ryan Brierley took over the kicking duties and kicked five from six attempts.

Life in the Championship started well for the Wolfpack as they beat fellow promotions contenders Leigh Centurions 34–12. Former Leigh player Liam Kay scored a hat trick whilst Ryan Brierley, Cory Paterson and Adam Sidlow also scored tries with Brierley rounding things off with five conversions. Following the opening day victory Toronto announced the signing of Australian centre Jake Butler-Fleming from League 1 side York City Knights.[20] A tough trip to Barrow Raiders saw the Wolfpack grind out a hard fought 8–8 draw in bad conditions, second row Andrew Dixon and centre Nick Rawsthorne both scored tries. Following this Toronto beat Championship stalwarts Halifax R.L.F.C. 20–8, superstar prop Ashton Sims made his debut in this match. Winger Adam Higson scored his first two tries for the club with Greg Worthington and Rawsthorne also crossing the line for a try each whilst Brierley kicked two goals. Toronto bolstered their pack by signing retired player Reni Maitua on a two year deal.[21] Round 4 found Wolfpack with a 47–16 loss to top of the league London Broncos which gave the Wolfpack their biggest loss so far, Dixon and Richard Whiting scoring tries whilst Liam Kay continued his try scoring form with a try. Brierley converted two goals.

March found Wolfpack at the top of the Championship thanks to the wins over Easter against Featherstone Rovers 24–16. Game against Swinton Lions was their highest scored so far 52–12. Wolfpack strengthen their squad by signing Salford Red Devil's Fullback Gareth O'Brien[22] and NRL's Canterbury Bulldogs Centre Chase Stanley [23] . Impact of the signing was evident during the game against Batley Bulldogs 26–18 where O'Brien scored his first hat-trick for Wolfpack. Stanley made his first try for the team week later against Dewsbury Rams 23–12.

Despite being plagued with injuries, Easter Monday win against Toulouse Olympique 24–22 followed by two more with Batley Bulldogs 26–18, Dewsbury Rams 23–12 continued Wolfpack dominance at the top of the table. NRL's Manly Sea Eagles Darcy Lussick[24] signing 3 year contract was a much needed addition to the Wolfpack. As Lamport stadium undergoes renovations, first home game was played in London against Halifax RLFC and won by Wolfpack 42-10.

Prior their first home game of the season Wolfpack has signed Scottish international and Warrington Wolves Full-back Matty Russell.[25] With Lamport Stadium under maintenance, Canadian opener was played at Fletcher's Fields. Game against Swinton Lions was a decisive win for the Toronto Wolfpack 62–14. Clash with Super League's Warrington Wolves ended up in defeat 66-10 thus ending Wolfpack run for Challenge Cup 2018, while game against Toulouse Olimpique at Dacia Magic Weekend found team winning 43–30 with debut try for Matty Russell and 7th hat-trick for the Wolfpack by Liam Kay. With 25 points they continued to lead Championship Table. Last away game was played during Summer Bash 2018 with Toronto Wolfpack winning 28–26 against Leigh Centurions.

Month of June found Wolfpack undefeated on their home grounds. Game against London Broncos, the only team Wolfpack lost to in the beginning of the season was a sound 32-12 victory. Gareth O'Brien started as a kicker against Dewsbury Rams and continued through the month with games against Barrow Raiders and Leigh Centurions, rivalry between Wolfpack and the former continues as Wolfpack won all three clashes.

After the game against Sheffield Eagles (a 68–4 win), Toronto Wolfpack secured the Betfred Championship League Leaders Shield 2018. The Wolfpack had their first home defeat during the regular season against Featherstone Rovers (12–30).