Daryl Powell is more than aware of just how important Wakefield Trinity’s win over Hull FC on Thursday night was as they look to kick start their season.
Wakefield beat the Black and Whites 14-10 at Belle Vue, edging out their East Yorkshire visitors in what was a tense and edgy contest in round four to pick up just their second win of the campaign and hand Hull their third defeat on the spin.
John Cartwright’s side actually took the lead in the game with Lewis Martin scoring tries either side of Will Tate’s first. But an opportunistic effort from Oliver Pratt saw Wakefield level the scores just before the break and the home side seized control of the contest after the break, even if they weren’t as clinical as they would have liked.
Ultimately, a second effort from Tate sealed the two points and that was enough to send the Wakefield crowd home pleased.
“It was tough to enjoy,” Powell said. “It was a tough game and both teams wanted to win that badly after the start that both teams have had.
“It was always going to be nervous. It was a tough game and I don’t think we were at our best but we showed a fair bit of character and we were a fair bit tougher defensively than we have been.
“That was a big game to win for both teams, it was tough and physically both teams put everything out there. For us, we’re pleased to get the win and we’ve got a longer week now because we had a pretty short week to get ready for this game.”
Asked about the impressive form of Jack Sinfield, Powell said: “He’s started really well. He had a great pre-season, he’s come into the team and really handled things as well. He’s probably working on his goal kicking this week, but he’s been class.”
Wakefield Trinity will look to build on Thursday’s win when they host Leigh Leopards in round five, but before that, they face Leeds Rhinos in the fourth round of the Challenge Cup.
“Leeds are flying at the moment,” Powell said. “I’ll have a look at them against Cas on Sunday and see where we’re at.
“This season is going to be a bit of a rollercoaster for everybody. Obviously the Challenge Cup takes you away from the league for a bit and we’ll have a fair pop at that next week but it’s a bit of a breather for us which will be good.”
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