SYLVAIN Houles was quick to forgive Cesar Rouge’s wayward goal-kicking as Toulouse Olympique held on for victory over Wakefield Trinity on their Super League return.
Rouge, who joined on a one-year deal barely a month ago after leaving fellow French side Catalans Dragons, kicked a penalty but missed conversion attempts for all four of Toulouse’s tries at the DIY Kitchens Stadium on Saturday evening – albeit with three of those striking the posts.
It meant the 18-16 final score to the visitors was much closer than it could have been and they had to survive late pressure from Wakefield before celebrating the win, but head coach Houles was still pleased with what he saw from the France international halfback.
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“To hit the post three times, I think he’s got a record there somewhere,” Houles told Sky Sports.
“He’s a bit unlucky, but other than that I thought he played superbly for us.
“He arrived just three weeks ago and great credit to him to play at that level.
“He played so well with the boys and I’m so pleased for him.”
Olly Ashall-Bott led the way with two tries for Toulouse, with Paul Ulberg and Romeo Tropis adding one apiece.
Converted tries from Josh Rourke and Cameron Scott ensured Wakefield were always within touching distance, and Will Tate’s try four minutes from time set up a grandstand finish even with Max Jowitt missing the conversion attempt from close to the right touchline.
Toulouse were able to keep Wakefield at bay though and player of the match Ashall-Bott felt it showed both he and the club deserve to be back in the big time.
“I’m not a big-headed person, but I feel like I belong on this stage and playing Super League,” the fullback, who was part of Toulouse’s Super League class of 2022, told Sky Sports.
“I’m just happy to be back playing Super League and on the big stage, it’s what everyone wants.
“I’m so happy for the team, we’ve worked hard the past few years and it’s good to finally run out playing with them in Super League again.
“That last five minutes was a bit all over the place, but it’s what this club and these boys are built on is hard work and heart. We might not have the most experience, but we’ve got the heart to go with it.”
Toulouse now prepare to welcome Wakefield’s rivals Castleford Tigers to Stade Ernest-Wallon next Saturday in their first home game since being promoted.
Houles, now in his 12th year as Toulouse head coach, hopes the opening-round victory will inspire the fans back home to turn out in force for that clash.
“It’s a good thing for our boys, but for our club in general,” Houles said. “We’re going to go back home and there will be plenty of support for us.
“I think this weekend has been tremendous in Super League, so we need to play our part.
“We need to make sure we get good support, put on a show at home, and make sure we bring something special to Super League, but it’s good start for us.”
WAKEFIELD TRINITY 16 (Rourke, Scott and Tate tries, Jowitt 2 goals) lost to TOULOUSE OLYMPIQUE 18 (Ashall-Bott 2, Tropis and Ulberg tries, Rouge goal) at DIY Kitchens Stadium
Teams:
WAKEFIELD TRINITY: Max Jowitt, Josh Rourke, Cameron Scott, Corey Hall, Will Tate, Jake Trueman, Mason Lino, Mike McMeeken, Tyson Smoothy, Caleb Uele, Seth Nikotemo, Matty Storton, Jay Pitts. Res: Jazz Tevaga, Harvey Smith, Isaiah Vagana, Jordan Williams
TOULOUSE OLYMPIQUE: Olly Ashall-Bott, Benjamin Laguerre, Romeo Tropis, Reubenn Rennie, Paul Ulberg, Thomas Lacans, Cesar Rouge, Lambert Belmas, Brendan Hands, Tyler Dupree, Henry O’Kane, Mathieu Jussame, Paul Marion. Res: Joe Cator, Robert Butler, Joe Bretherton, Hugo Garrigues
REFEREE: James Vella