Jamie Lester, Canadian rugby league’s experienced technical chief, has overseen the successful launch of the first Canadian championship since the mid-1990s, when CRL’s predecessor, the Canadian Rugby League Federation, folded.
"It was difficult to know what to expect leading into round one,” said Lester, a native of New Zealand and a one-time NZRL coach tutor. “We had more than enough players on paper, but you just never know what is going to happen come game day. When the skies opened with a massive thunder storm hours before kick off I became quite nervous. I was happy with the level of the games played and confident of improved performances for the second round. I couldn't believe our luck (or lack thereof) when a snow storm struck the morning of round two. Fortunately, it calmed down a little and allowed us to take the field. Despite the conditions, the second round was definitely a step up in level and I am sure that trend will only continue after Easter.”
Four teams are competing in the Toronto, Ontario championship: Niagara Bobcats (pictured above, against Toronto City), Scarborough Centurions, Toronto City Saints and York Reds.
“The Niagara Bobcats are the frontrunners and added some big forwards in the second round. They have the strongest forward pack and have a handful of expat Anitipodeans and Englishmen that lay a good platform for the team. The Scarborough Centurions are a team to look out for. They have a young and exciting backline, and if they can acquire a little more experience in the forwards, I think there is a possible upset against the Bobcats.”
After two rounds Niagara are in the lead with two victories, but the round one draw, 26-26, between Scarborough and York, is indicative of the competitive nature of the competition. Lester has been assisted in his task of bringing his enthusiastic group of union-bred players up to speed with the intricacies and demands of rugby league by a committed group of coaches.
“Former St Helens man and Canada representative Chris Diamond is the coach of Niagara Bobcats. Three-time Canada Wolverines capped and rugby union stalwart Henry Miers is in charge of the York Reds. Just arriving from Leigh and a Centurions diehard fan is Richie Moore, who is at the helm for the Scarborough Centurions and I am coaching the Toronto City Saints”.
Lester, who doubles up as coach of team Canada, with St Helens’ assistant Keiron Purtill playing an important support role, is bullish about the sport’s future in Canada. The Wolverines, Canada''s national team, has internationals lined up this year against Jamaica, headlining one of the biggest cultural festivals in Canada, the USA and South Africa. That internatinoal dimension, though, must be well supported by a solid domestic base, insists Lester. “I think it is important that we consolidate the existing clubs while potentially adding one more Toronto based club and one just out of Toronto for 2012. We need to sure up our current stocks and see what is possible from there. Also, It is looking hopeful that a 2-4 team competition will be played in British Columbia this year, which is very exciting news.”
PHOTO CREDIT: Colin Watson