Both sides head into this game on the back of a loss in Round 24. While Trinity lost out at St Helens 26-6, Hull FC fell short to the Warriors, 15-14, so the two teams will be looking to return to winning ways this Sunday.
Trinity will be hoping to regather form and string wins together heading into the back end of the season, whilst Hull FC will be looking to cement a place in the top five and bounce back from their Challenge Cup exit.
Therefore, we should expect a competitive encounter.
Trinity
It was an improved performance from Trinity against the league leaders last Friday night, but picking up the points are crucial heading into the final rounds of the season, and the Trinity outfit will be determined to do so in front of a vocal home crowd this weekend.
Trinity have also been very active with their recruiting in the build-up to Sunday’s match; boosted by four new signings. This includes French international and fullback Morgan Escare, who has racked up a total of over 130 Super League appearances.
The Black and Whites’ Chris Green is another one to join Trinity on loan, as well as Adam Tangata from Halifax, with Keegan Hirst heading the other way, after a great three year stint in the red, white and blue.
Former Trinity player Ryan Atkins has also re-joined the club with immediate effect – and until the end of 2020. Atkins had had a previous four year spell with Trinity, 2006-2009, and became a lasting fans’ favourite, before heading over the Pennines to join Warrington Wolves. He has experienced a remarkable ten seasons with the Wolves, but is excited to return to Wakefield, as it is a club he holds close to his heart.
Escare and Tangata are amongst those named in Chris Chester’s 19-man squad to face Hull FC, and the head coach has confirmed that these two signings will make their Trinity debuts on Sunday afternoon.
Speaking in his press conference this week, Chester commented on the new additions, and believes Tangata will bring “toughness and aggression to the team,” while being impressed with Chris Green and his physicality, and admits Escare has fitted in really well, and is an exciting one to watch. He also believes someone of Ryan Atkins’ calibre is a real boost to the team.
Chester also said: “I’m excited about the weekend and it was important that we brought some bodies into the club to freshen everything up. I’m looking forward to seeing all those players, and I’m pretty sure they will improve our team.”
Pauli Pauli, James Batchelor and Jacob Miller also feature in the 19-man squad after missing the St Helens game last Friday, which means Max Jowitt and George King miss out for Round 25.
FC
Hull currently occupy fourth place in the Betfred Super League table, and look well on their way to achieving a play-off place.
They also have the opportunity to become level on league points with Warrington this weekend, and therefore Trinity should expect a raring Hull FC side.
Hull’s Challenge Cup run came to an end in the semi-finals in late July, where they lost out to Warrington, so Lee Radford and his sides’ focus turns entirely to the league, and of course, climbing the table.
Lee Radford has named his 19-man squad, which sees their new signing and former NZW Tevita Satae come into the team. Other changes include Jack Logan, Kieran Buchanan and past Trinity player Danny Washbrook, who come in for potential selection this weekend.
Ones to watch include former Trinity player Danny Washbrook, as well as the 2016 Man of Steel and veteran Hull skipper Danny Houghton. Marc Sneyd is also no stranger to Trinity fans, providing plenty of drop-goal heartbreak over recent seasons. Trinity will certainly be vigilant of his influential playmaking in the halves, whilst keeping a close eye on centre Jake Connor, and the Black and Whites’ new signing, Tevita Satae.
Previous meetings
Trinity last met with Hull FC in April, where Trinity lost out 30-14. They emerged victorious with a 12-32 win at the KCOM Stadium in March, however. In 2018, Trinity also won away, 31-13, and then recorded their biggest ever Super League win, with a stunning 72-10 summer victory over the Black and Whites – a memorable day for Trinity.
Trinity did endure Easter Monday heartbreak last year however – agonisingly losing to a Marc Sneyd drop-goal, 27-26 away at the KCOM, so will be watchful on Sunday, to prevent this from reoccurring.
Squads
Trinity (19-man squad) – Annakin, Arundel, Batchelor, Brough, England, Escare, Fifita, Hampshire, Jones-Bishop, Kirmond, Kopczak, Lyne, Miller, Pauli, Randell, Tangata, Tanginoa, Tupou, Wood.
Hull FC (19-man squad) – Bowden, Buchanan, Connor, Ellis, Faraimo, Fash, Griffin, Houghton, Lane, Logan, Matongo, Minichiello, Naulago, Satae, Shaul, Sneyd, Taylor, Tuimavave, Washbrook.
Match Preview by Emma Holley