Super League chief executive Robert Elstone says the whole competition can learn from Toronto Wolfpack after his first visit to a game in the Canadian city.
Elstone had been publicly cautious about the prospect of the Wolfpack joining Super League, and admits there are still travel logistics that need to be fully assessed.
But after watching Saturday’s narrow defeat to Hull KR his overriding impression of the club’s approach was positive.
Elstone told Mirror Sport: “When I started in the job, I talked about the need for us to be young, confident and ambitious.
“I couldn’t think of three better words to describe Toronto.
“It felt young, bright and relevant.
“They’ve created an environment and atmosphere we should capture and promote across the whole of Super League.
“I’m certain we can all learn from how they’ve connected with a younger audience – the one so critical for Super League’s future.
“It’s a vision created by owner David Argyle and it was good to spend time with him.
“Repeating the attributes I think are really important for Super League, he’s certainly ambitious – for the Wolfpack and the sport; he’s confident – really believes he and his team can deliver; and it’s young – he’s talking with, and bringing into the club, a demographic the sport has to connect with.
“Toronto is a fantastic city, and one that anyone would enjoy visiting.
“They were wonderful hosts, proud of their city and their club – who looked after us really well.
“There were smiling faces everywhere - that refreshingly positive and genuine ‘happy to help’ attitude that we can all learn from.
“I was impressed by the Wolfpack fans.
“They were passionate and knowledgeable fans, and so pleased we’d come to see them.
“They knew us by name, they shook our hands and hoped we’d come back.”
Elstone travelled to and from Toronto with Hull KR’s squad which also offered him an insight into the travelling involved for away teams.
He added: “It was, of course, a long trip.
“Rovers left Hull on Wednesday evening and didn’t get home until Monday night, finishing up with a long coach trip home from Glasgow Airport - grateful no doubt for the Wembley weekend.
“That takes a lot out of a team.
“If Toronto does earn its place in Super League next year, we have to be certain we can manage and fund the obvious logistical challenges of weekly transatlantic travel as well as avoid undermining - actual or perceived - the competition.
“Rovers were great hosts for me and I’d like to thank the club, and Tim Sheens in particular, for allowing me on to their trip.
“They were great ambassadors for Super League.”