Toronto owner David Argyle slams Super League boss Robert Elstone's expansion claim

DAVID Argyle has fired back at ‘disrespectful’ Super League boss Robert Elstone for questioning Toronto’s entry into English rugby league.

The competition’s executive chairman described the Wolfpack’s admittance to League One in 2017 as coming under the ‘less structured, less stable and arguably more spurious’ form of expansion.

That has drawn an angry response from billionaire Argyle, whose £12 million investment got the Canadian side to the top flight.

Put simply, he has told Elstone, ‘You were not there, so keep your nose out.’

Argyle also referred to a 'Monday night quarterback' – someone who second-guesses after the event.

He told SunSport: “I fundamentally disagree with Robert.

“Given he was not around when the clubs voted to allow Toronto in and is now second-guessing all of those teams that actually voted to bring us in, I think it’s not respectful.

“It certainly is problematic when we’re singled out in the American vernacular as a ‘Monday night quarterback.’”

Toronto’s top flight life has not been without issues as boss Brian McDermott has been left scratching around for players, bringing in trialist Tony Gigot, who is playing for free.

Director of rugby Brian Noble has also left and calls for salary cap dispensation and even exemption from relegation are falling on deaf ears.

But Argyle feels that while Elstone has been cold to them, other clubs are co-operative and lessons are being learned – and taking Super League to Canada in April could be huge.

He added: “It’s a step up but after four games in Super League, I’m really happy with the progress we’ve made.

“We’re learning how to be a better club both on and off the field. In Bob Hunter, we’ve got a really great chairman and in Brian McDermott a fantastic coach and great on field leadership too.

“On the field, a big thing is the speed of play and that mistakes clearly punished severely, unlike in Championship and League One where you’re not punished as much.

“Off the field, the key is to drive eyeballs then work on making sure people are fully aware that the Toronto Wolfpack have got a long season in front of us but we can’t wait until we start our home stint. I can’t wait for that.”

Toronto are set to find out where their clash against Catalans Dragons – which could see Israel Folau face Sonny Bill Williams – will be held.

The Perpignan-based side could move it to Marseille’s Stade Velodrome but Toulon RU’s Stade Mayol, which holds 18,000 people, is thought to be favourite for the June 27 fixture.

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