How Wakefield Trinity could line up in Super League next season

Wakefield Trinity are a club on the rise again, after several difficult years. They top the Championship, following last year’s relegation from Super League, having won seven from seven to start the season.

They recently announced the signing of England international, Mike McMeeken, from Catalans Dragons for next season. Their owner has talked about his ambition to assemble the best squad Trinity have ever had in Super League.

With this in mind, we take a look at what Wakefield’s squad could look like in Super League for the 2025 season.

Outside Backs

In Wakefield’s recent victory Sheffield Eagles, Trinity started with a back five of Max Jowitt, Derrell Olpherts, Iain Thornley, Oliver Pratt and Lachlan Walmsley.

For next season, Trinity are heavily linked with England winger, and last season’s Super League top try scorer for Catalans, Tom Johnstone. Johnstone started his career with Wakefield and scored 87 tries for the club before moving to the South of France. He will, most likely slot into the position currently occupied by Olpherts.

There have also been suggestions that a reunion between Zak Hardaker and Daryl Powell could happen at Wakefield Trinity. Hardaker is a multiple Grand Final and Challenge Cup winner. He enjoyed success at Leeds Rhinos, Wigan Warriors, Castleford Tigers and Leigh Leopards in Super League. Hardaker also had a short spell in the NRL. Hardaker is a native of Pontefract and can cover all of the positions across the back line.

These two-star signings would complement the talents of Walmsley, Pratt and Jowitt, who have all been a key part of Wakefield’s success this year.

Half-Backs

This season, Wakefield’s first-choice half-back pairing has been Mason Lino and Luke Gale. Lino has excelled in Super League with Trinity before. Having signed a new three-year deal in 2023, Lino will be at the heart of their return to Super League.

Gale, on the other hand, is now 36 years old, and approaching the end of a glittering career. The ex-England international is off contract at the end of the season. It seems unlikely that he will make the step back up to Super League with Wakefield Trinity.

However, according to reports, Trinity have a replacement lined up. They have been heavily linked with Huddersfield Giants man, Oliver Russell. Russell has found himself on the periphery of the Giants side this season and is out of contract at the end of the year. It appears increasingly likely that he will partner Lino next season.

Hooker

Liam Hood and the highly-rated Thomas Doyle are Wakefield’s two hookers this season. They have both have the ability to make the step up to Super League. Hood has Super League experience. Having started his career with Leeds, he has also played in Super League with Salford Red Devils and Leigh Leopards. Hood joined Wakefield Trinity in 2022.

Doyle joined Wakefield from Keighley Cougars in September. He started his career with the Bradford Bulls. Doyle was the subject of interest from Super League clubs during the 2022 and 2023 seasons. He is thought to have a bright future at the top level.

Prop Forwards

New signing, Mike McMeeken, will provide top-level pedigree and experience to Wakefield’s front row. He will, most likely, be the cornerstone of their pack in Super League.

McMeeken will be joined by powerful prop, Renouf Atoni. Atoni joined Wakefield ahead of the 2023 season. Atoni started his career in the NRL, playing 43 games with the Canterbury Bulldogs. Atoni is 6’ 3” and weighs over 17 stones. He signed a new contract ahead of this season which commits him to Trinity until the end of 2025.

Caleb Uele, who recently signed a new contract at the club, and the experienced Josh Bowden will provide cover for Wakefield’s starting front row.

Second Row

Matty Ashurst is a Wakefield stalwart. After spells with St Helens and Salford, he joined Wakefield Trinity in 2015. He has made over 200 appearances for the club. Ashurst played 27 games for Wakefield in their relegation season. He is the club’s captain and will likely lead them out for their first game back in Super League in 2025.

Josh Griffin, is another player with significant Super League experience. He won the 2017 Challenge Cup with Hull FC and also enjoyed a successful spell with Salford. Griffin joined Wakefield partway through 2023. He is under contract until the end of the current season. However, he continues to be a strong performer and still has the ability to play in Super League.

Loose Forward

34-year-old Jay Pitts is Wakefield’s current starting loose forward. He is an experienced campaigner, having enjoyed a long career in Super League and the Championship. Pitts started out at Wakefield, before spending time at Leeds, Hull FC, Bradford, and London Broncos. He joined Wakefield in 2020.

However, Trinity have been linked with a blockbuster move for Hull KR’s Matty Storton. KR coach, Willie Peters, has spoken of his desire to keep Storton. But Peters admits salary cap constraints may mean he has to leave. His contract is due to expire at the end of the season. Wakefield are keen to bring him in for their Super League Campaign.

Storton would provide a huge lift to a strong Wakefield pack and is able to cover all positions in the forwards. He would be a massive signing.

Wakefield Trinity’s potential starting line-up for 2025:

FB – Max Jowitt
WG – Tom Johnstone
CE- Zak Hardaker
CE – Ollie Pratt
WG – Lachlan Walmsley
HB – Mason Lino
HB – Ollie Russell
PR – Mike McMeeken
HK – Liam Hood
PR – Renouf Atoni
SR – Matty Ashurst
SR – Josh Griffin
LF – Matty Storton