Chris Chester’s sacking prompts rejection by new Wakefield signing

Samisoni Langi had apparently joined Wakefield on a three-year deal, but now Rugby League Live has revealed that he is set to stay at Catalans following Chris Chester’s sacking.

Langi had reportedly contacted Wakefield to let the club know he would not be joining after the man who made the deal happen – Chester – was no longer at the club.

Instead, the 28-year-old utility back will now sign a new deal at Catalans, according to Rugby League Live.

Willie Poching is currently the interim boss at Wakefield and he started his account with victory over Warrington at the weekend.

However, this news is a clear kick in the teeth for Trinity who looked set to rebuild for 2022 in emphatic fashion.

Chester was sacked after five years in the post, where he led Trinity to its best ever Super League finishes in 2017 and 2018. However, Wakefield had won just four games this season under the former Hull KR forward.

CEO Michael Carter said: ‘”It’s always a sad and difficult decision when change is needed, but the Board felt that the time was right for change.

“For many reasons, we are stuck in a rut, and have an incredibly important period coming up, where the future of Super League will be defined.

“Chris came in at a low point for the Club, and for me personally, and completely changed things around. Under his leadership we played some of the best rugby this Club has seen in Super League in 2018 and 2019.

“Sadly, the last two years have been difficult for many reasons with injuries and COVID decimating us at times. There have been numerous occasions where we could have sought a postponement but played on with weakened teams, and ultimately that has reflected on Chris.

“He has also never been given the opportunity to spend the full salary cap. To truly compete these days, clubs need either a wealthy benefactor or large crowds and substantial off field income, none of which Chris has ever enjoyed here. At times, it must have felt like coaching with both hands tied behind his back.”