Wakefield Trinity Ladies’ Hebe Forbes is “looking forward” to the club’s Challenge Cup derby day clash with Castleford Tigers.

With two games under their belt already in pre-season, coaches Liam Harnell and Ash Bond have utilised their 33-player squad well ahead of the new year.

However, pre-season counts for nothing, and Trinity will be looking to start 2022 in the best possible way on Sunday, with a victory over their nearby neighbours.

“I’m looking forward to it a lot,” said Forbes, speaking ahead of Sunday’s trip to Castleford.

“It’ll be a great atmosphere because both teams will want it just as much as each other. The last two games have been a great starting point and have given us something that we will now be able to build on those games.

“It has been good to get to play together as a team for the first time before the season really kicks off.”

With 14 new debutants, the club has made real progress in the offseason, offering strength in depth that we haven’t had in recent years.

Causing selection headaches is every coach’s nightmare and dream all rolled into one, and squad got a first taste of what it will be like over the past two weeks.

“We’ve seen each other train together for months, but it’s so much more different when playing,” Forbes explained.

“You see a different side to each player in a game situation, building that respect and trust.”

Sunday’s clash is much more than just another fixture, taking home bragging rights will be at the forefront of the players’ minds when they head to the Tigers at the weekend.

However, despite the hosts being in a higher group than Trinity for the Women’s Super League, the cup is the cup, and anything could happen.

“It is relatively important [to get the victory],” Hebe followed.

“Obviously, we want to win the derby, not just the game for the Challenge Cup. Castleford will pose a real test, but that is what we have been preparing for and I am sure we have what it takes.”

You can follow Sunday’s clash with the Tigers on the Ladies’ social media platforms, with a venue to be announced in due course.