Toronto to play Widnes at Newcastle in double-header

Toronto will take their Championship home game against Widnes to Newcastle’s Kingston Park, it has been confirmed.

The round three fixture will take place as part of a double-header with the League One clash between Newcastle Thunder and Doncaster.

It is one of three Wolfpack home games that will be played on the road, with one rumoured to be being held in Belgrade.

Martin Vickers, UK business development manager for Toronto Wolfpack said: “Toronto Wolfpack proudly support all or our sport’s expansion teams around the world. We have great respect for the excellent work Newcastle are doing on and off the field are and excited to work together on this double header.

“The Wolfpack fondly remember our trip to Kingston Park in 2017 when we received a great reception from everyone at the club. These games will be a huge draw for what should be a huge crowd, and we will do all we can to bring our Canadian home game experience to the North East.”

Widnes have played in Newcastle as part of Super League’s Magic Weekend for the past four years, forging a connection with the city thanks to their work with the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.

James Rule, chief executive at Widnes Vikings added: “We’re excited by the double header concept to be hosted by Newcastle Thunder in February.

“We’ve always had a great relationship with Newcastle and we’re looking forward to working with them, and Toronto, to create a great crowd and atmosphere for our members and supporters. 

“Naturally it’s far easier for our supporters to get to Newcastle than Toronto, so I’m sure we will have an excellent following, which will be a huge lift for the players.

“From a performance point of view, this also removes the disruptive travel logistics, and different time zones, that you would encounter travelling to Toronto.”

Both games will take place on Kingston Park’s artificial 3G pitch with supporters from all teams able to watch both games for just one ticket price.