If I’m the first Canadian to write for The Roar then I hope I’ve made a good impression.
My name is Avry Lewis-McDougall. In 2016, I fell in love with the idea of rugby league putting roots at the professional level in Canada with the Toronto Wolfpack and like many followed their journey in England’s Rugby Football League starting in the third tier, League 1.
Fast forward to 2019 and the Wolfpack sit on top of the Betfred Championship and are poised to enter Super League in 2020, with possibly a League 1 team in Ottawa also.
The Wolfpack have made their games affordable, and it’s friendly to fans of all ages. The Wolfpack brought North American style entertainment to the sport in an intimate atmosphere. Lamport Stadium for all three seasons has been home and a stadium of under 10,000 seats has been an excellent fit so far.
Rugby league is easy for most Canadians to follow, it’s a fast game and the fact that the Wolfpack have had success has been absolutely beneficial to that growth. The Wolfpack have even joined forces with Ontario’s Union governing body to get people out to try both codes of the game.
Toronto taking on London. (Richard Lautens/Toronto Star via Getty Images)
The franchise is endearing itself to Ontario and owner David Argyle has had very ambitious goals. Currently, the Wolfpack starts its season playing overseas but, in the future there could be games in Dublin, Copenhagen, and Barcelona.
I personally love the idea of the Wolfpack truly becoming a global team but the franchise has faced concerns when it comes to their development of Canadian players and the future of the domestic game.
Enter the Ottawa franchise, the founder of the Wolfpack, Eric Perez is in talks to relocate the Hemel Stags to the nation’s capital.
If successful, the second Canadian franchise in the RFL would take a different approach than their provincial cousins.
Perez spoke about not trying to rush Ottawa to Super League and using the team to truly grow the game in this country. Toronto hasn’t truly used Canadian talent, Ottawa can fill that void to give homegrown talent a place to play.
Rugby league has formal competitions outside of Ontario in Alberta and British Columbia, these programs should work with Perez to get their players chances to play professionally and playing meaningful minutes.
Off-season camps in other Canadian cities will also be huge for discovering talent in markets where Union is still the dominant code.
For all we know, Canada’s version of Latrell Mitchell or David Fusitu’a could be in Edmonton or Calgary.
A big step for growth was also made in March. Last month, The Canada Rugby League Association announced that Canadians would be able to subscribe to WatchNRL to stream every game.
The partnership will provide discount subscriptions Canadian Rugby League fans but will also though 20 percent commission work to grow the development of the junior game in Canada.
Letting people in Canada learn even more about the game, not just NRL games itself but also off-field content such as shows like Late Night With Matty Johns and League Life will go along ways in educating this side of the world on League in more ways than one. Maybe one day Canadian based NRL/Super League studio shows could become a reality.
Canada is a market that can handle more rugby league, let us show you.
thomas c
Guest
Nice to hear positive news in terms of getting a pipeline for local players. Considering the prospect of a Canadian Latrell Mitchell, I'd encourage you to please, please take the australian one. (I may not be a big Sydney Roosters fan)
westernred
Well mate, it seems your wish will come true with Ottawa looking like a goer and New York also. Super League clubs may try to stymie things as do the clubs in NRL. Let's hope they finally see the big picture.
Peter Piper
Guest
I understand that the meetings with the RFL yesterday were very positive. They are really trying to make this happen. If Ottowa and New York gain entry then there may one day be a remote chance of us getting an NRL team in Perth. Stranger things have happened.
Avry Lewis-McDougall
Roar Rookie
Thank you Fred! From what I know it sounds like Hamilton was replaced by Ottawa. Not saying that Hamilton won't one day be a future RFL city but plans have shifted.
Brainstrust
Roar Rookie
It would be a lot more sensible to have a competition in the east combining with the north east of the US which seems more the plan with the teams they have.
Fred
Guest
Great article Avry. Very positive. All the best with the Ottawa bid. Is there still interest in a club based in Hamilton?
Stavros
Guest
A cry did Nate and Mascord put you up to this article??
Avry Lewis-McDougall
Roar Rookie
Thank you! I've had the chance before to chat with Eric in Toronto and when he's promised something in rugby league in Canada he's made it happen. His plan for Ottawa via Hemel will be successful.
Avry Lewis-McDougall
Roar Rookie
The idea of professional Rugby League one day in this country from coast to coast is a big dream of mine! I think it truly could happen.
westernred
Welcome to The Roar and Rugby League. Unlike the NRL and Super League, Perez has a plan and is willing to back it. Using the Hemel licence to provide a pathway for local players is a great idea. So good luck against the NRL and Super League who seem unable to back the game to expand.
Marty
Guest
I'm so in love with the idea of the Canadian expansion. It makes sense. In a country lacking a summer alternative to Baseball, Rugby League has a big chance to fill the void between Hockey seasons and Rugby League not only makes sense to Canadians and is easy to follow; the appetite for big hits and a bit of sporting violence is there and no sport can provide it more than RL.