Wakefield Trinity have impressed everybody in 2025, as they try to force their way into the playoffs at the first time of asking since their promotion back to Super League.
Daryl Powell’s side have enjoyed vital wins over Wigan Warriors and Leeds Rhinos this year, and have already started planning for next season, after tying down key players to new contracts and bringing in star recruits from the NRL.
Here is how we think they will line up in 2026, with overseas imports Tyson Smoothy and Jazz Tevaga included in the starting thirteen.
The best Wakefield Trinity 2026 squad after latest NRL signing
Full Back: Max Jowitt
Jowitt has performed admirably when covering in the halves, but his favoured role is at the back. Should he need to deputise again next year, Trinity have also signed up Josh Rourke for the next two years, who is a more than suitable depth option.
Wingers: Lachlan Walmsley and Tom Johnstone
The wingers are likely to stay the same as 2025. Walmsley was on the verge of leaving Wakefield at the end of this year, but since the increase in overseas quota spots, has decided to commit his short-term future to the club.
Johnstone returned to Trinity at the start of this year, after two seasons at Catalans Dragons, and has scored 11 tries in all competitions this season.
Centres: Oliver Pratt and Corey Hall
Pratt is Wakefield’s hottest prospect and has excelled in his maiden Super League season. He should get promoted to the number three shirt in ‘26, and as it stands will partner Corey Hall in the centres.
Halves: Jake Trueman and Oliver Russell
Trueman and Russell have both had difficult seasons with injuries. Trueman has featured just seven times in the league this year, with Russell making just five starts.
Trinity have Mason Lino in their squad as solid depth, but Wakefield need more consistency in the halves if they are to consistently compete at the top. A new half could be a priority for Powell before the start of next season.
Props: Mike McMeeken and Caleb Uele
McMeeken is having yet another stellar season, averaging over 100m per game and making over 40 tackles per game.
Uele is also impressing in his first Super League season and has shown up when Trinity have been light in the pack. Ky Rodwell is, on paper, the other starting prop, but injuries have halted his season, and he has only managed to make four league appearances.
Hooker: Tyson Smoothy
The former NRL Grand Finalist joins Wakefield in 2026 from Brisbane Broncos. He has made 39 first-grade appearances in his career, and will add more attacking threat to the Trinity outfit. The hooker is likely to be the starting number nine, as Liam Hood is set to leave the club upon the end of his contract.
Second Rowers: Seth Nikotemo and Isaiah Vagana
Trinity have an exciting pair of back rowers in Nikotemo, 21, and Vagana, 25. Nikotemo has struggled with injury this year, but with another full pre-season under his belt will be a strong presence in the Wakefield pack.
Vagana, son of Bradford legend Joe, will take the place of the departing Josh Griffin. He was part of Wakefield’s promotion winning side, and has been a consistent performer upon their Super League return.
Loose Forward: Jazz Tevaga
Trinity’s second confirmed NRL signing is Manly Sea Eagles forward Jazz Tevaga. Able to play hooker and loose forward, the 29-year-old comes with a wealth of experience that includes representing Samoa seven times since 2017.
Interchange: Ky Rodwell, Caius Fa’atili, Matty Storton and Trey Lolesio
Rodwell’s injury-hit season could mean he has to prove himself to get back into the starting squad. Faatili has been used as a destructive prop from the bench, exploiting tired defences. Storton is another long-term injury, and hasn’t been seen since March. He will be hoping for an improved 2026. Lolesio is Trinity’s most recent signing, after an announcement was made this week the forward would be joining from the Queensland Cup on a two-year deal.
