Wakefield Trinity look to build on their fine pre-season performance against Halifax as they travel to Brian McDermott’s Featherstone on Sunday.
Ourselves
A comprehensive 52-24 victory at The Shay gave head coach Willie Poching plenty to ponder, starting a much-strengthened side to that defeated at Leeds on Boxing Day.
After falling to a 6-0 deficit early on, the Super League side soon found their rhythm, running over nine tries, with new face Jai Whitbread touching down a double on this Trinity debut.
With a thoroughly-deserved lead at the interval, the Trinity head coach made no hesitation in shaking up the pack, bringing on young guns Isaac Shaw, Kobe Poching and Patrick O’Donovan in the second period.
Big decisions reap big rewards, and after a hard-fought second 40, Shaw popped up with his Trinity score after great work by Reece Lyne.
The Opposition: Featherstone Rovers
Fresh off the back of the Championship Grand Final defeat last year, Featherstone Rovers have wasted no time in bringing some experienced heads to the Millennium Stadium.
Bolstered by the arrival of head coach, Brain McDermott, the club has new ambitions for the 2022 season, aiming for that all-elusive 12th Super League spot.
McDermott brings a wealth of experience to the Championship outfit, bringing with him his four Grand Final and two Challenge Cup medals.
Gaining promotion from Rugby League’s second tier will be no easy feat, though, and after a pre-season defeat against Leeds on Sunday, the West Yorkshire side will be smelling blood when they host Wakefield on Sunday.
The Boss
Speaking during the week, Trinity head coach, Willie Poching, is looking to name a strong side when the team travel to Rovers on Sunday.
“We are looking to name a strong squad, yes. It is our last hit-out before the season starts properly in a couple of weeks and it is important that we get the combinations [correct] and stress them in situations that we can’t manipulate in training.
“These games are also really important to see how the combinations are working as well as the tactics set out [in midweek].
“[Featherstone] are a good side. Big, robust and sprinkled with a lot of Super League experience.
“When you look at their side, they are not to be taken lightly.”
Squad News
Both Featherstone and Trinity have named strong squads for this one. For Poching’s team, Lee Gaskell is set to partner Jacob Miller in the halves.
Trinity: Jowitt, Johnstone, Lyne, Lineham, Miller, Battye, Hood, Arona, Ashurst, Tanginoa, Pitts, Crowther, Whitbread, Batchelor, Gaskell, Kay, Aydin, Hall, Fifita
Rovers: Briscoe, Hall, Gale, Holmes, Kopczak, Lockwood, Ferres, Sene-Lefao, Bussey, Wildie, Davies, Moors, Hellewell, Hardcastle, Field, Smith, Cooper, Trout, McConnell, Gill.
In-profile: Featherstone Rovers
Nickname(s): The Colliers
Colours: Navy Blue & White
Founded: 1902; 120 years ago
Ground: The Millennium Stadium
Head Coach: Brian McDermott
Competition: Betfred Championship
Match Details
Who: Featherstone Rovers
Where: The Millennium Stadium, Post Office Road, Pontefract, WF7 5EN
When: Sunday, 23rd January 2022 (3pm)
Competition: Pre-season friendly