Toronto Wolfpack win fans over during unbeaten homestand
The Toronto Wolfpack have stolen the hearts of many in the city. Their homestand came to a close on Saturday in the 54-12 victory over the Coventry Bears.
The Toronto Wolfpack remain undefeated in the Kingstone Press League 1, atop the table and heading for promotion. Liam Kay returned to the lineup after missing the Barrow clash because of a suspension and wasted no time in reminding the fans of his talent, scoring a hat-trick of tries.
After the game, players went to every side of Lamport Stadium, shaking hands and taking pictures with fans. After they had cleaned up, the team and staff collected with the remaining fans in the beer gardens.
The down-to-earth persona of these players and availability to the fans is a big part of why this team has grown such a cult following. “That’s just rugby league. I’ve always done it. They’ve come out to watch us, the least we can do is go round and thank them all,” Kay said after the game.
It’s hard to imagine Auston Matthews and Josh Donaldson mingling with fans after the game. But it is that kind of behaviour this team needs if they are to become a mainstay among the plethora of teams that occupy Toronto.
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The score doesn’t quite do credit to Coventry, who were one of the more resilient teams to play the Wolfpack in League 1 this year. Despite coming into the contest with a record of 1-7, the Bears kept things close in the first 25 minutes. Two weeks ago, the previously undefeated Barrow Raiders were down by 10 points just 16 minutes into the game.
Jamahl Hunte shocked those in attendance with a fortuitous try 23 minutes in. The ball had bounced off of Kay into the hands of Chris Barat, who kicked for Hunte to chase into the try zone.
Part of Coventry’s game plan was to kick short restarts, which Wolfpack coach Paul Rowley described as an itch he just couldn’t scratch.
“We prepared for it. Liam (Kay) catching short kicks totally out of position. I coach my teams to kick it deep and earn the right to play,” Rowley said after the game, “So it is a sign of respect they’re putting us on the pedestal, but it is annoying.”
Brad Delaney kicked a penalty for Coventry’s only other points. Wolfpack captain Craig Hall missed two out of five converts in the first half, but was a perfect five for five in the second.
Fan favourite Fuifui Moimoi scored two tries and had a celebration with the fans in the beer garden after his second. Andrew Dixon also had two tries, while Bob Beswick, Ryan Brierley and Rhys Jacks added singles as the Wolfpack made it nine straight wins.
Blake Wallace missed the game with an ankle injury and was in a protective boot. The injury didn’t seem too serious, as he threw the ball around during warmups. Kay was on crutches after the game, but said it was just a rolled ankle.
There were 6,973 fans in attendance to cheer on the Wolfpack. Kay was asked what he will miss most about Toronto while on the road in the UK: “The fans, honestly.”
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The Wolfpack play next on Saturday, June 10th in Wales against the South Wales Ironmen. The game kicks off at 12:00 pm ET and will be live streamed online at CBC.ca.