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Toronto Wolfpack appoint Brian McDermott as new coach

Last updated on .From the section Rugby Leaguecomments33

Brian McDermott
McDermott spent eight years in charge of Leeds Rhinos

Toronto Wolfpack have appointed former Leeds Rhinos boss Brian McDermott as their new coach.

He succeeds Paul Rowley in taking charge of the second-tier side from Canada, who missed out on back-to-back promotions to the Super League after a defeat by London Broncos last month.

McDermott, 48, spent eight years at the Rhinos helm before leaving in June.

"Toronto Wolfpack offers a challenge and ambition that not many other clubs have," he said.

"I'm excited on being a part of something that could genuinely be a game changer for rugby league in the UK."

McDermott led the Rhinos to wins in four Grand Finals, two Challenge Cups and a World Club Challenge during his tenure.

However, he left the Headingley outfit on the back of a club-record seven successive Super League losses.

McDermott again links up with Brian Noble, who is Toronto's director of rugby, having played under him at Bradford.

"We are delighted to bring in a head coach of Brian's calibre, who we believe can lead us to the Super League," said Noble.

"His track record in the game speaks for itself and having known Brian for many years, I know he has all the right attributes to take the club forward."

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33 comments

  • Comment posted by Tony Lazarus, at 12:56 12 Nov 2018

    Good appointment for Toronto, proven Grand Final winning coach. Mcdermott will be hungry to get back into Super League given how his time at Leeds ended. Shaping up for a very interesting Championship - only one of Toronto, Toulouse, Fev, Leigh, Widnes, Bradford (maybe) can go up. Now if only someone would put that division on the TV...

  • Comment posted by earwig, at 18:00 12 Nov 2018

    It's funny how we don't hear Toronto moaning about the lack of away fans.

    Out with the old and in with the new.

    Come on the Wolfpack.

  • Comment posted by Big col, at 15:02 12 Nov 2018

    14- But they have been really good for League 1 and the Champ over the past 2 years when just about every team had their biggest seasons attendance when they played Toronto at home. Most of these clubs also sold more pitch side advertising for that game than any other
    If they did get to SL you can bet the 2 marque slots would be top class NRL players who would again bring publicity and crowds in.

  • Comment posted by steveport, at 11:31 12 Nov 2018

    Good to see him back in the game, and here's hoping the Wolfpack get promoted and give Super League the shake up it needs.

  • Comment posted by matt1985, at 11:10 12 Nov 2018

    Good luck to him. A top bloke who gave his all whilst at Leeds. Shame his time there ended as it did. Toronto have got themselves a very good coach - expect them to be challenging for promotion next year.

  • Comment posted by warrior, at 10:25 12 Nov 2018

    Good appointment, signals they still have strong ambitions to grow and is a reward for their fans who’ve got behind them in a big way. I thought Mac unlucky to be sacked considering the player drain at Leeds.
    My only concern now is the adequacy of their stadium for Super League if/when they get promoted. I’ve never been but on tv it doesn’t come across all that well.

  • Comment posted by RayCee, at 15:12 12 Nov 2018

    Wow, I never saw this one coming.

    Worst kept secret. It will be interesting to see how he handles this challenge.

  • Comment posted by Hello, at 15:14 12 Nov 2018

    Good luck BMcD. A decent guy.
    He was a good coach at Leeds. I was disappointed at how it ended but it was probably time to split.
    Post match comments from him were poor so I wont miss that. Dont know how Toronto will take to him (gruff) but as they already have B Noble Esq, they will survive Im sure.

  • Comment posted by razor36, at 14:00 12 Nov 2018

    will he moan about the plastic pitch?

  • Comment posted by earwig, at 17:57 12 Nov 2018

    Super coach for a Super Club.

    Come on the Wolfpack.

  • Comment posted by jimbob, at 09:28 13 Nov 2018

    @Dai uy. What more good than bad! You think haha. You mean the most decorated coach leeds have ever had bringing them more success than anyone before. And i am bradford supporter

  • Comment posted by Davros, at 20:31 12 Nov 2018

    @27 - I think there should be a Cumbria team and get it in SL - not sure the teams up there agree though....

  • Comment posted by razor36, at 19:21 12 Nov 2018

    17. Posted by warrior on
    4 hours ago

    my point being he never stopped moaning about the plastic pitch at widnes now he's coaching a team on one

  • Comment posted by steveport, at 18:02 12 Nov 2018

    @11
    Last season Wolfpack matches were on Freesport, but don't know if they have rights in 2019.

  • Comment posted by farthrum, at 17:20 12 Nov 2018

    In coaching terms, Brian McDermott is a class above Paul Rowley. Looks like a very canny appointment.

  • Comment posted by warrior, at 15:02 12 Nov 2018

    15: So Widnes in trouble too !!

  • Comment posted by BC, at 12:54 12 Nov 2018

    I've never been impressed by the way Paul Rowley sets up any team. Think this appointment is good for both sides, BMacs big game / cup run experience is just what Toronto need. Be interesting now to see what signings they make.

  • Comment posted by rover23, at 12:36 12 Nov 2018

    Toronto to replace Leeds in super league could happen with how poor Leeds are nowadays! Good luck Brian Mac

  • Comment posted by RL Nomad, at 09:34 13 Nov 2018

    @ 31...The most decorated Super League coach ....full stop.

  • Comment posted by Dai Uy, at 23:00 12 Nov 2018

    I like Brian McDermott. Overall I think he did more good than bad at Leeds. I have one question. Where will he live while he is coach of the Wolfpack, In England or in Canada?

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