Assessing Wakefield Trinity’s 2027 squad as best 17 predicted after boss’ Roger Tuivasa-Sheck admission

Wakefield Trinity are nearing completion of their 2027 roster, with a big overhaul of players coming in to enhance what is a play-off-challenging squad to perhaps a title-challenging one.

Trinity have made five signings for next year, though one of those is Emre Guler, who arrived at the club ahead of the transfer deadline in August, meaning he is available for the rest of the season.

New additions could still come, but Powell has stated previously that he doesn’t expect too many more signings, if any at all, to arrive, though if a suitable player becomes available, it could change their thinking.

A total of 10 players will depart/have already departed, with that list including Mason Lino, Lachlan Walmsley and the most recent exit in Max Jowitt, who will join York Knights in 2027.

Amid all their changes, it’s time to take a look at where Wakefield sit in terms of next year’s squad, as we predict how they could line up in round one of next year, should the team come through pre-season unscathed.

What is Wakefield Trinity’s best 17 heading into 2027?

Full-back: Roger Tuivasa-Sheck

The Super League world was rocked when Trinity announced the incredible arrival of dual-code international and NRL legend Tuivasa-Sheck, with the deal being made public back in April.

There were questions over where he would play, with the 33-year-old spending the vast majority of his last three seasons playing wing and centre. However, Powell has confirmed that he intends to use ‘RTS’ as the number one, and that is part of the reason why Jowitt has moved on to pastures new.

In terms of other options, the club still have Josh Rourke, who is a solid back-up in his own right, whilst youngster Robbie Brook is also pushing for an opportunity.

Wingers: Tom Johnstone and Oli Pratt

With Tuivasa-Sheck locked in at full-back, it makes the rest of the backline much easier to work out. England international Tom Johnstone will remain on the left wing, whilst the currently injured Pratt will keep his spot on the right.

Pratt is set to be out until December through injury, so will miss the majority of pre-season, however when fit he has proved to be one of the best emerging talents in the competition.

Jayden Myers has a long-term contract at Trinity, whilst Neil Tchamambe will return from a loan spell at London, where, at present, he is tied as the Championship’s top try scorer.

Centres: Davy Litten and Corey Hall

Wakefield paid the big bucks for Litten, who arrives from Hull FC on a long-term deal, with him being tipped to elevate his game to the next level whilst at Trinity.

On the opposite flank, Corey Hall looks set to remain in the right centre spot, but looking overall, that role is arguably where Wakefield should strengthen next, should they wish to make another signing.

The versatile Kian McGann is another youngster waiting in the wings for an opportunity, and he can cover anywhere across the back five.

Halves: Jake Trueman and Jack Sinfield

Sinfield was always going to be the long-term half-back for Wakefield, having signed from Leeds last year. Injuries to the departing Lino have given him more chances in 2026 than he perhaps expected, but that has only developed his game further, and will continue to partner Jake Trueman, who has been incredible for Trinity this season.

Myles Lawford is arguably now third-choice following Lino’s exit, with Wakefield potentially light in such a key role in the team.

Props: Mike McMeeken and Emre Guler

Daryl Powell has a jigsaw to complete within the middle unit, with the side having the luxury of too many players worthy of a spot in the 17, and not enough spots for them to take up.

McMeeken is the skipper and, whilst he could potentially revert to the back row, is one of the first names on the team sheet in this Trinity side.

Guler seems the most likely to take the spot of Ky Rodwell, who hasn’t really done anything to warrant losing his starting shirt, but a player of Guler’s experience suggests he has been brought in to start.

The likes of Caleb Hamlin-Uele and Caius Faatili take up a bench spot, but have in-depth the likes of Tray Lolesio, Ellis Lingard and Jordan Williams.

Hooker: Mason Teague

Tyson Smoothy’s exit is the biggest blow for Wakefield, but they’ve found a brilliant replacement in Teague, who is younger and hungry to succeed in the top flight.

He will combine with Harvey Smith in the nine role, with Smith likely to take up a bench spot and rotate with the Cook Islands international.

Back Row: Isaiah Vagana and Matty Storton

Vagana is set to return for Wakefield this afternoon [Saturday] against Warrington, after the initial fears were that he has dislocated his shoulder.

After signing a new long-term deal, he has hit a new level this season, and is a top contender for being named in the Super League Dream Team.

Storton will also be hampered for the first part of pre-season after suffering an MCL injury,

Loose Forward: Cameron Smith

The Leeds man is heading to his new club in some incredible form, and will be hoping to continue that into the new season. Jay Pitts’ departure opens up a spot at 13, with the 27-year-old set to rotate with Jazz Tevaga in that role.

Bench: Harvey Smith, Jazz Tevaga, Caius Faatili, Caleb Hamlin-Uele

All four players on the bench have been mentioned above, and what a bench it is, with Hamlin-Uele in particular one of the best in Super League at coming into the action and making an impact.

Tray Lolesio and Ky Rodwell miss out, but that is simply due to the stacked pack that Wakefield have, and will no doubt get plenty of game time in 2027.