Toronto Wolfpack could see bid to re-join Super League decided this week
Their participation agreement was terminated and the league continued with 11 clubs.
The Wolfpack have since found a potential new owner in Toronto businessman Carlo LiVolsi, who submitted his plans, including an 80-page document, to re-launch the club at an online meeting with Super League executive chairman Robert Elstone and Rugby Football League chief executive Ralph Rimmer earlier this month.
A report with recommendations is due to be handed to the other 11 clubs on Tuesday ahead of a meeting of the Super League board – essentially the club owners – on Friday morning which will make a decision to either reject the application outright or seek more information.
With the vote expected to be close, the Ontario club are desperately hoping the clubs will give LiVolsi an opportunity to present his case in person next week.
READ: Brian McDermott pleads for rival clubs to give Toronto Wolfpack second chance
There is still some resentment over the way Toronto pulled out of the league just days before the scheduled August 2 re-start and bitterness grew over revelations that the players have not been paid since May.
LiVolsi has insisted he will pay the wages in full if the club are re-instated and the GMB trade union which represents rugby league players on Friday said they had brokered a deal worth in the region of £1million.
READ: Players union reaches agreement with Toronto Wolfpack on player salaries
LiVolsi has spoken of his plans to take the club to new heights and Toronto captain Josh McCrone and coach Brian McDermott have both issued pleas for the club to be given a second chance.
A move to restore Super League to a 12-team competition could count in their favour.
READ: Josh McCrone wants Toronto Wolfpack to be given a Super League second chance
Toronto’s UK business manager Martin Vickers said: “We are confident we will get a fair hearing.
“We know we made a strong submission and trust the Super League board will make the right decision for Toronto Wolfpack.”
Rimmer has indicated his support for the new club but Elstone is thought to have strong reservations and the odds appear to be stacked against the Canadians.
LiVolsi says he would not be interested in joining the Championship or League 1, insisting it is “Super League or bust” and, at this late stage, the club would be unlikely to find other owners willing to start the process over again.
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