Connect with us

Wakefield Trinity

Daryl Powell opens up on his Wakefield Trinity dilemma ahead of round one

Wakefield Trinity

Wakefield Trinity head coach Daryl Powell admits he is yet to decide on his best half-back pairing ahead of the new Super League season. Powell has Jake Trueman, Olly Russell and Mason Lino at his disposal heading into the campaign and all three have had game time in pre-season so far.

Russell started alongside Trueman in the narrow defeat to Leeds Rhinos on Boxing Day, while Lino got the nod to start with the ex-Hull FC man on Friday night as Wakefield put Castleford Tigers to the sword at Belle Vue. As such, while Trueman looks set to play at stand-off when Trinity go to Headingley in round one, it’s clear a decision is still to be made when it comes to scrum-half.

Wakefield still have one more friendly to play before the competitive action begins with a trip to Championship side Doncaster scheduled for next weekend and Powell won’t make a call until after that game.

“We’ve got a game next week before we get into the season and there’s competition for places, that’s what it’s all about,” Powell said in his post-match press conference after Friday’s win.

“Olly started on Boxing Day, Mason started tonight, and Olly will start again next week and we’ll mix the combinations up. Then we’ll make a call on who’s the right combination for round one.

“It’s what being head coach is about isn’t it, you’ve got to make some tough calls at times. There’s still some water to go under the bridge for people to put their hand up. That game next week will cap that off.”

Wakefield Trinity now know their Challenge Cup third round opponents after seeing Goole Vikings overcome London Broncos in the capital on Saturday afternoon to book their spot in the next round and set up the all-Yorkshire clash. That game will be played during the weekend of February 8/9.

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Must See

More in Wakefield Trinity