This list has changed a lot over the years. In 2017, Rhys Jacks was my first favourite player but he only lasted with the Wolfpack for about a year. Then, I took a liking for Ryan Brierley and Blake Wallace. For a brief period of time, Brierley was my favourite Wolfpack player.
However, there were two reasons that made me put Wallace over Brierley. One was the key try that gave the Wolfpack the lead against the Featherstone Rovers. A lead they would never relinquish, which allowed the Wolfpack to win the Championship Grand Final. They also booked their place in England’s first division’s Betfred Super League.
The other reason was his start as a Toronto Wolfpack player. Unlike many players on the squad currently, he has been with the Wolfpack since day one. And unlike other original Wolfpack players, his professional career started with the Toronto Wolfpack.
My Favourite Toronto Wolfpack Player: Blake Wallace
Blake Wallace: His Road to Professionalism
Blake Wallace talks about how getting involved with rugby league. Shane Millard, a former rugby league player was the person who got him involved. According to Rugby AM, Wallace said this:
The Significance of the Toronto Wolfpack
Key Tries Scored for the Toronto Wolfpack
Wallace has had some of the most important tries in Toronto Wolfpack history. This included scoring the first try in Toronto Wolfpack history. This occurred in 2017, where Toronto Wolfpack had its first-ever fixture against Hull FC. They lost that game 26-20.
However, he will be remembered more for his try against the Featherstone Rovers. He was a sub in the second half and immediately made an impact. In 2018, in the Championship Grand Final, he gave the Toronto Wolfpack the lead in the second half. They would never trail in the game again. As a result, they were promoted to Super League. This is the highest level of rugby league in the northern hemisphere.
Personality
It is important to note that the Wolfpack want to be the best team in both North America and Europe one day. However, one also needs to grow the game in a city like Toronto. It is safe to assume at least in the first year, that the Wolfpack acquired players who would be good role-models for kids. Wallace is an example of that type of player.
An example can be seen with the bromance between Wallace and Brierley shown below.
Wallace has a bubbly personality and had a close relationship with Brierley. This is what Wallace said according to Nothing But League.
“The first player I’d pick would have to be Ryan Brierley because he’s got a pretty level head. He’s like my father; he gives me good advice, so he’d be able to reassure me!
More importantly, Wallace has become part of the Toronto sports community. Last year, Wallace along with Bodene Thompson had a walk at the Distillery District in Toronto.
Furthermore, Wallace has made himself known in the Toronto sports world. He threw the first pitch of a Toronto Blue Jays baseball game last year.
According to Vice, Wallace is really enjoying his time in Toronto. This is what he said on Ben Stanley’s VICE article:
“The fans are pretty passionate – I’d never seen anything like it. When we were warming up [for the home opener], they were rolling into the ground and they had flares going. They had big banners. They really love it – they’re really passionate.
Wallace is currently enjoying the support of Toronto Wolfpack fans in Toronto. He is also one of only six players to play all four seasons so far with the Toronto Wolfpack according to Matthew Shaw of Total Rugby League.
Overview of Blake Wallace
Wallace is an important player who played a very big role in the growth of rugby league in Canada. He also has a good personality and has started his career with the Toronto Wolfpack. These three things combined make Wallace my favourite Wolfpack player.
Furthermore, he has been with the Wolfpack since its inception. This was also a big reason why I chose Wallace as my favourite player. Being a favourite player for me is paying your dues and creating a resume for yourself. This played a big part in choosing Wallace as my favourite player. He has done that so far and will continue to play a pivotal role in future years for the Toronto Wolfpack.
“Main photo credit”
