Toronto Wolfpack axe was ‘right’ call says Super League boss Robert Elstone

As the fall-out continues over their decision to refuse the Canadian club a place back in the elite in 2021, questions have been raised about how the conclusion was reached.

Seven clubs and Elstone voted against allowing them to return citing various reasons including - off the back of an ‘independent’ report - what financial benefit the Wolfpack would bring to Super League.

Many feel Toronto’s exclusion is a hammer blow to the sport but Elstone maintained: “We gave Toronto three months to prepare its submission and we helped them with it.

“We had to do what was right for Super League. Those reports evaluating those bids were absolutely independent. It wasn’t a marginal decision for the executive. The risks were substantial and rewards were remote and uncertain.

“We’re very confident we got the right decision.”

Asked if current clubs in Super League would stand up to such scrutiny, Elstone said it was “hypothetical” although how clubs have such a big say in the future of a rival remains a moot point.

“The truth is there’s a governance review underway at Super League, but there are difficult decisions around that,” said former Everton CEO Elstone.

“Material decisions that impact the Premier League are taken by its shareholders - and that’s the clubs. If the Premier League decided it wanted to change the size of its competition or how promotion and relegation happens, that would be a process taken by the shareholders.

“The business of Super League is owned by its clubs, and there’s therefore a strong case to say that big decisions should be taken by the owners of the businesses.”

Promoting a 12th club to replace Toronto is, of course, now firmly on the agenda with a decision expected by December 16.

Championship clubs London Broncos, Toulouse Olympique, Leigh Centurions, Featherstone Rovers, York City Knights and Bradford Bulls all remain in the hunt having passed the basic criteria set by an independent body.

That said, Elstone admitted ongoing travel restrictions and quarantine rules could go against ambitious French club Toulouse as they bid to join Catalans Dragons in Super League.

“It probably should, in the sense there’s a here and now about this and it’s relevant to the 2021 season,” he said.

“It’s finding the right balance between a medium and long-term decision because all 12 clubs run the risk of being relegated.

“But we also need to be confident they can get to the start line on day one of the 2021 season.

“It should be a factor and it should be worth noting the way the Dragons have responded and the way they’ve rolled their sleeves up and fulfilled their fixtures within the limitations of Covid.

“There’s no reason another club can’t do that. It should be a factor that should be considered but medium to long-term consideration is probably the right thing.”

He added: “I’m not aware of material decisions we’ve got badly wrong.

“Toronto is probably the biggest (decision), the 12th club is probably next and I think we’ve come to the right conclusions and we’ve done those objectively, fairly, thoroughly with the best long-term interests of Super League very much at the heart of it.”

On whether promotion and relegation would be in place in 2021, Elstone said: “It’s safe to assume that there will be relegation, not withstanding how Covid plays out in 2021.

“On the basis we’re all vaccinated and safe, then in a 12 team Super League, we’re committed to a promotion and relegation.”

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