TORONTO — When the Toronto Wolfpack braintrust sat down to build a rugby league team from scratch, director of rugby Brian Noble wondered why coach Paul Rowley made wingers Liam Kay and Jonny Pownall a priority.
Thirty-two tries later, the answer is much clearer.
"He's quite astute, Paul," said Noble, a former Britain international player and coach. "Bearing in mind myself and Paul had the blank piece of paper 18 months ago, they were two of the first people he signed.
"Being the old crusty front-row (forward) that I am and (big on) grind and engine and things like that, I'm thinking 'What are you signing wingers for?' Well I completely understand (now) with the way we play football. Wingers are going to touch the ball a lot on this team. We're expansive, we're entertaining and boy, you're right, they can both finish."
Kay had five tries in last Saturday's 64-22 win over the York City Knights to up his season total to 17, tops in the Kingstone Press League One. Pownall scored twice to raise his total to 15, tied for third.
Toronto (13-0-0) hosts the 11th-place University of Gloucestershire All Golds (6-7-0) on Saturday at Lamport Stadium.
The Wolfpack, rugby's first transatlantic team, have started life in the third tier of English rugby league with an eye to winning promotion first to the Championship and then to the elite Super League.
A fully professional side facing semi-pro opposition, they have had their way so far — averaging 60 points a game. The English wing duo have helped keep the scoreboard turning over.
"We're very very lucky to have these players," said Rowley, who can also call upon American winger Ryan Burroughs.
Kay and Pownall, both 25, were teammates previously at the Leigh Centurions, a team Rowley used to coach.
Kay is easy to spot. He's the taller of the two with a ponytail. Pownall has shorter hair and more tattoos. Both can motor and know what to do when near the goal-line.
Best of mates off the field, the two wingers are fun-loving with a mischievous streak. On a recent YouTube video, they had no problem identifying teammates on a variety of topics ranging from the Wolfpack's cheapest player to the one who spends the most time on Tinder.
At a recent practice under a hot sun, Kay returned to the field with a water pistol to settle some scores.
Kay said he committed to Toronto because Rowley "sold this dream to me." Several other former Leigh teammates also signed on.
"We kind of jumped into the unknown, when I didn't know what it was," said Kay, a native of Leeds. "I have no regrets. I'm glad I did it."
It's a close-knit team, which helps given the players have to spend weeks away from their families and friends back in England.
Rowley is big on team culture and it shows.
"If we're going out for a drink, for example, everyone's going out for a drink," said Kay. "If we're going to the beach, everyone comes to the beach. Everyone enjoys each other's company."
After most practices, players drift over to a nearby restaurant to enjoy lunch outside together.
Pownall, a native of Leigh, enjoys that bond — as well as the expansive game favoured by Rowley.
Like Kay, he also wanted a change in surroundings. Toronto was an attractive option.
Any regrets?
"No mate," said Pownall. "Not one. Loving every part of it."
Rowley has had some roster juggling to do this week.
Blake Wallace returned to training but may not be ready for Saturday. Ryan Brierley will likely be sidelined three to four weeks after hernia surgery in England. Gary Wheeler (quad) is also out. Rhys Jacks is the only fit halfback, with Rowley suggesting he may have to play people out of position.
"You might see some surprises," he said.
Quinn Ngawati was registered this week, meaning the 18-year-old Victoria forward could make his debut.
American trialist Joe Eichner is no longer with the Wolfpack although Rowley says he remains on the team's radar.
The visitors will also be missing players with Courtney Davies injured, Brad Hargreaves and Kadeem Williams ruled out due to work commitments, and Ben Stead, Brad Kislingbury and Harry Kidd playing for England at the Student World Cup.
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Neil Davidson, The Canadian Press
