Wakefield Trinity Ladies coach, Liam Harnell, says his side are “eager” as they face a pre-season clash with Hull KR on Sunday.

The Trinity head coach has brought over 15 new faces into the ranks ahead of 2022, with the side aiming for a positive 2022.

After missing the 2020 season through Covid-19 and re-building the side in 2021, Trinity will be looking to kick on in the 2022 season, especially after the Women’s Super League was split into two groups.

However, it is all about pre-season and Harnell is excited to watch how Sunday’s game plays out.

“It’s our first run out in what feels like such a long time,” he explained.

“I know the girls are eager to put all the hard work they’ve done over pre-season into practice.

“I’m hoping we can get a pretty good measure of what progress we have made during the offseason, which will then inform our last preparations before the challenge cup run of fixtures.”

It has been signings galore in the off-season, with the club bringing in a whole host of new players to help with the strength in depth.

With the signings of Rachel Eastwood and Cassy Lawson, the club is in a great position heading into 2022 and Harnell has been delighted to see them make such a big difference.

“We have been really impressed with our new signings this year, they have added experience and depth to the existing squad.

“This has created competition for places, which has brought the best out of the player in training. Due to this, our skill level as a whole has improved which has allowed us to play a more expansive brand of rugby.

“I’m excited to see how our new signings will go on Sunday. I’m sure they will want to make a statement and showcase what they can do.”

With a Round One, Challenge Cup clash with Castleford on the horizon in the middle of March, the side has ripped into pre-season, working hard both in the gym and out on the field.

Sunday will offer a different test, though, making combinations work and pushing their fitness to the max, which will stand them in good stead ahead of the new year.

“The players have been great, as a group we feel we have gotten everything right. It’s now down to the girls to put this into fruition, starting on Sunday.

“However, it’s important we don’t put too much pressure on ourselves. In these friendlies, we will be looking at different combinations within the squad, which means there will be lots of changes throughout the game.

“We have 25 fit and available players to have a look at, with a few others out with niggles who will come into the squad next week.”

A different challenge awaits on Sunday, and after being promoted last season, the Robins’ tails will be up, a challenge Harnell and his group won’t take lightly.

“Hull KR a relatively new to the women’s game and not a team I have come up against in recent years.

“Hull is a place that is passionate about their rugby league and it’s always going to be tough travelling over that way to play, we must be focused on what we want to achieve.

“I’m confident in the way we have carried ourselves throughout pre-season ans know we can do a good job.

“The players are confident and all we need to do is focus on us and execute what we have practised. This is a fantastic opportunity for the playing group to impress the coaches and secure a starting number for the Challenge Cup run of fixtures.”