THE desire to make amends for missing out on back-to-back promotions last year is driving Toronto Wolfpack in their quest for a place in Super League.

Having been the favourites with many pundits to go up from the Betfred Championship one season after winning promotion from League One, the big-spending Canadian side suffered a surprise 4-2 loss to London Broncos in a hard-fought Million Pound Game last October.

The new format for 2019 still involves a play-off for the top five but, with former Leeds Rhinos head coach Brian McDermott now at the helm and the likes of ex-St Helens star Jon Wilkin and former NRL players Bodene Thompson and Ricky Leutele on board, the Wolfpack have set out their stall early on.

A 46-16 defeat away to fellow promotion hopefuls Toulouse Olympique – not to mention being given an almighty scare away to part-timers Dewsbury Rams – aside, Toronto have been in imposing form and half-back Blake Wallace is eager to ensure they do not miss out again.

"Most of the boys who were in that side and that game are back again this year, and they know how that felt," said Wallace. "We want to right those wrongs and go one better this year."

Wallace is one of the members of the Toronto squad who have been with them since the beginning and has not looked back since leaving his native Australia to take a step into the unknown.

The 26-year-old has revelled in playing in front of 7,000 crowds at Lamport Stadium and – with New York and Ottawa possibly joining the British professional game soon – is excited about what the future holds for rugby league in North America.

"It's been really good," said Wallace. "When I first came over and I didn't know what to expect. I was sort of coming along for the ride, but I love it at this club and love playing in Toronto.

"The city, they love their sport whether that's rugby league, basketball or baseball, and if there's a Toronto team playing they'll go and get behind it," said Wallace.

"It's only getting bigger and hopefully in the years to come young kids are playing rugby league over there and stuff like that. It's a good experience and I'm looking forward to seeing where it takes us."