Toronto: We respect Skolars

Toronto coach Paul Rowley says his team respect London Skolars and will have to play well to beat them today.

The Wolfpack start their League 1 campaign in the capital this afternoon.

“We know London Skolars are another big set, they’re a good side with big and talented players in their ranks,” Rowley said.

“We’ve prepared like we would for anyone else with respect, they got a couple of scalps at their ground last season so we’ll have to be very good to get the result down there.

“Everyone’s talking us up and labelling us as a big spending side but we don’t need any frills and spills to play our trade.

“Any win would be great but with it being our first game in League 1 it would be extra special, we’ve got a lot of keen observers so it would be good for us.”

Toronto Wolfpack played their first competitive fixture in the Ladbrokes Challenge Cup last weekend defeating Siddal ARLFC 14-6 at CWC Park.

“It was a good win for us and we played very well,” Rowley said.

“They made us work hard and the conditions were unbelievable in terms of being a leveller.

“It was a war of attrition but it taught me that we’re a tough set and willing to roll our sleeves up when we need to.”

Skolars progressed to the fourth round of the Ladbrokes Challenge Cup with a win over Hemel Stags last weekend.

Coach Jermaine Coleman said his team has prepared to face Toronto “like it’s any other league game this week”.

“There’s a lot of hype around them but we just see it as an opportunity to piggy back on to that and showcase what we’re about in London and what we’re trying to do and build here,” he said.

“I think for them last week’s game against Siddal was quite tough but having that extra bit of fitness and quality made sure they played out of the bag when they needed to.

“I don’t think anyone can really read too much into that game though other than if you want to play against them you have to be at your peak and give it your all.”