FOR the first time ever, The Halliwell Jones Stadium will host a Super League fixture that does not involve Warrington Wolves.

The Wire's home ground has been confirmed as the new host of Toronto Wolfpack's "home" fixture against St Helens on Saturday, February 29.

The fixture was initially slated to be held in London at Allianz Park, home of rugby union giants Saracens.

In confirming Saracens would no longer stage the game, Wolfpack chairman Bob Hunter insisted the game would still be played in London but this move represents a significant change of tack.

“It is with great disappointment that we need to make this change but sadly it comes as a result of reasons outside of our control," said Martin Vickers, Toronto's UK general manager.

“We are extremely grateful for the support of Simon Moran, Stuart Middleton and Karl Fitzpatrick of Warrington for stepping into the breach to allow this fixture to happen.

"We must also thank St Helens, who have worked tirelessly with us to resolve this difficult issue we were faced with.

“We are fortunate that tickets have not yet been released for sale however should any fans have incurred any expenditure that isn’t able to be recovered, they should contact customerservices@torontowolfpack.com with evidence of such payments and the club will be in contact as soon as possible.

“We expect to announce details of ticket sales in the next week and look forward to a big crowd for the club’s first ever meeting with Super League Champions St Helens at the superb Halliwell Jones Stadium.”

It also means the Canadian side will play in Warrington on two consecutive weekends as they face The Wire on February 21.

Wolves chief executive Karl Fitzpatrick added: “We are delighted to host the Wolfpack’s round four fixture against St Helens.

"We believe our stadium is a fitting venue for hosting such a fixture having held many notable rugby league matches, with three RLWC games to look forward to in 2021.”

This game is the second of three Wolfpack "home" games to be staged in the UK as their Lamport Stadium home is unavailable in the early rounds of the season.

Their opener against Castleford will be played at Headingley as part of a double header with Leeds Rhinos' clash against Hull FC while a venue has yet to be confirmed for their game against Wakefield Trinity on March 22.

Toronto's first Super League game in Canada is against Hull FC on Saturday, April 18. The Wire are due to visit on Saturday, July 4.