FORMER Saints skipper Jon Wilkin has confirmed he will play for Toronto Wolfpack despite their failure to win promotion to Super League.

Wilkin had agreed to join the Canadian outfit before their defeat by London Broncos in last Saturday's Million Pound Game.

But speaking on the Whippets and Flat Caps podcast, Wilkin said he was still excited by the challenge and believes he can provide leadership to the Wolfpack.

"There were other bits but my head was turned by the city, the travel and by what they're doing," he said.

"I'm going there to make a difference. I'm not at my most athletic but I have a mental capacity to lead."

The former England loose forward, who turns 35 on November 1, believes a culture change is needed after accusing the Toronto players of using "mindless aggression" in their defeat by the Broncos and believes their failure to achieve promotion at the first attempt could be a blessing in disguise.

"It might just be the right thing for them," he said. "If you go up and it's the wrong time, if it's too early, you'll come back down.

"It gives them another year to really refine what they do before they hit Super League."