Super League votes unanimously to replace Toronto Wolfpack
Board says new club would be decided by committee headed by independent chair
One day after rejecting Toronto's bid for reinstatement, the Super League board voted unanimously Tuesday in favour of admitting a 12th rugby squad to replace the Wolfpack next season.
The board has not yet decided on how to choose the new Super League member, however.
Super League said that will be decided by a committee headed by an independent chairman. Further details on the criteria for applicant clubs "will be discussed and released at an appropriate time."
"We are committed to ensuring that the process is independent and impartial, and stands up to scrutiny, and accordingly, ensuring the committee is properly constituted and clearly mandated is our first priority.," Super League executive chairman Robert Elstone said in a statement.
The board also voted in favour of a 27-round regular season.
Toronto, which was in its first Super League season, stood down July 20, saying it could not afford to play out the remainder of the pandemic-affected 2020 season.
Its subsequent bid to be reinstated next season, under potential new owner Carlo LiVolsi, was rejected by an 8-4 vote with one abstention.
The Wolfpack began life in 2017 in Betfred League 1, the third tier of English rugby league. The transatlantic team won promotion first to the second-tier Championship and then Super League.
Sidlow shocked, angry, saddened over team's demise
Toronto Wolfpack fans are familiar with the sight of giant forward Adam Sidlow running with the ball, dragging would-be tacklers with him.
Sadly that road ended Monday when Super League rejected the financially troubled franchise's bid for reinstatement in 2021 under new ownership.
Sidlow, an original member of the Wolfpack, had been hoping the Toronto team would get a reprieve.
"It's been one of the best experiences in rugby league I've had," the 33-year-old said from Wigan, England.
Having already seen past clubs Bradford and Salford endure financial uncertainty, Sidlow tried to remain realistic during the months in limbo. Still, Monday's negative vote still hit him hard.
Under contract through 2021
"My first initial reaction was just shock, anger … and a bit of confusion as well," said the six-foot-four, 251-pound athlete. "The first thing I said to my wife was 'I don't know if I'm relieved because we've been waiting so long, because we've got a decision finally."'
"It wasn't meant to be and I hope it's not to the detriment to the sport," he added.
Sidlow's contract with the Wolfpack runs through 2021. Does he think he will ever see that money?
"I live in hope," he said after a pause. "A lot of guys are struggling. We'll have to see what the future holds. We'll try to get the money. We'll have to speak to [majority owner] David [Argyle, who has stepped away from the team] and see what the situation is now."
