“A BIG market opportunity” has opened up for Super League as a result of Toulouse Olympique’s promotion.

That is the view of Warrington Wolves chief executive Karl Fitzpatrick as the top flight gears up for a season containing two French teams for the first time.

There are hopes an extra side from across the Channel will drive a TV deal in France as well as develop the French game further.

Sylvain Houles' side were the dominant force in the Championship this year and confirmed promotion by beating Featherstone Rovers in the Million Pound Game.

The Wire will visit Toulouse in Round Three, with the game taking place on Saturday, February 26.

In certain terms, Fitzpatrick believes TO may be a stronger proposition than Catalans Dragons – Super League's established French outfit – but that only time will tell if they will become a valuable addition to the competition.

"First of all, Toulouse have earned the right to compete in Super League," he said.

"They’ve played the long game, stepping away then coming back in. In my opinion, they’ve done it the right way.

"There’s a big market opportunity there with a 1 million-plus population and some blue-chip companies.

"With two French teams in the competition, could that drive a French TV deal? Possibly. There are some opportunities there that the game needs to seek.

"Politically, Toulouse are probably a stronger proposition than Catalans purely due to the location of it. Time will tell whether they become a good commercial addition."

Toulouse make the trip to The Halliwell Jones Stadium on Friday, August 12.