Wakefield Trinity Ladies’ Sophia Liu was “over the moon” as she topped off her Trinity and Super League debut with a try on Saturday against Bradford Bulls.

Despite the game not going in Trinity’s favour, the side was bolstered by some positive performances at the weekend, highlighting the progression the club has made over the past couple of weeks.

Bringing in the likes of Cassy Lawson and Lisa Taylor, Trinity took the game to the Bulls for the majority of the second half. Megan Preston got her first try of the season before Liu topped off her debut with a quick dart over the whitewash.

“I’m over the moon to make my debut both in Women’s Super League and for Wakefield.

“I’ve put in a lot of work to get to this point and it is a huge achievement to receive that recognition from the coaches. I really hope this is just the beginning.”

After missing the opening rounds of the season through injury, Sophia staked her claim for a spot in the Trinity side after a player of the match display for Halifax when playing on duel-registration.

This proved fruitful for the number nine, starting on the bench against Bradford, and finally getting her chance on the Be Well Support Stadium pitch.

“It was tough picking up an injury towards the end of pre-season, missing out on friendlies and the Challenge Cup, but it was amazing to be finally on the field with the team.

“It’s one thing working together in training, but to be out on the pitch fighting for a win is a completely different environment, and I’m so glad the other girls were so supportive on my debut and gave me the chance to show a little bit of what I can do.”

After Lawson’s big move through the field, Wakefield’s hopes of getting back into the contest were put on Liu’s shoulders, picking the ball up and brilliantly darted from dummy-half to touch down.

She was overcome with emotions, staking her claim in the Women’s Super League and proving that hard work does pay off.

“Initially, disbelief!” said Liu, speaking on getting over for her first of the season.

It was a little surreal if I’m honest. We had been building a lot of pressure in that second half, and when I saw the gap, I just went for it.

“It was a huge relief to be able to give something back to the team and to see their reactions was so uplifting. It was a huge boost.”

Despite the defeat, Trinity has been building over the past couple of weeks, and with a lot of new faces entering the squad, the side needed time to gel, and Sophia is pleased the club is moving in the right direction.

“I think, as a team, it was one of our best performances so far.

“We really came out strong in defence and at times in attack, we really gelled and were a threat.

“We built momentum in the second half, and there was a moment we all felt we could pull it back but it just wasn’t meant to be.”

Wakefield Trinity Ladies head to Featherstone Rovers this weekend and you can follow their progress on their numerous social media platforms.