International forward explains why he joined Wakefield Trinity

Wakefield Trinity seem to be a completely different club to the one that got relegated just two months ago in terms of attitude, ownership, but also signings and new boy Matthieu Cozza has now revealed what made him make the switch from Featherstone Rovers.

Cozza was one of two Frenchmen to join Featherstone prior to the 2023 campaign, signing alongside half-back Thomas Lacans for Sean Long.

The forward played 22 times for Featherstone last season however he has now linked up with Trinity on a two-year deal, one of many signings that the new-look Trin have made.

His form with Rovers was so impressive that he earned a call-up to the French national team for the mid-season international against England, but he now takes his talents to Belle Vue.

Speaking on the Trinity Youtube channel, the 23-year-old explained why he made the switch from last year’s Championship leaders.

“I think what is happening at the moment with Trinity is really positive, they’re a team who are going places so I want to be a part of it,” Cozza explained, before then discussing how he plans to utilise his two year contract.

“I think everyone has got the same ambition which is to get back to Super League. I’ve got one year in Championship to help get the club back where it belongs, then enjoy the second year hopefully in Super League.”

Having previously played for Catalans in Super League, albeit just for three games, Cozza has the experience of mixing it in the top flight and he revealed just how different Super League is from the second division.

“I think the Championship is a bit more physical but Super League is a very different game, it’s very fast and demands hard efforts. I want to get back to that level soon and that will hopefully be next year.”

Cozza is one of a number of signings, some from the Championship such as last season’s top try scorer Lachlan Walmsley, whilst others have arrived from Super League such as Huddersfield Giants legend Jermaine McGillvary.

It’s clear though that under the new ownership of Matt Ellis, with the coaching of Daryl Powell, that all men know their role and ultimately what the goal is – to be a Super League side in 2025.

With the IMG gradings coming into place for the 2025 campaign it could be argued that Trinity will be among that top 12 anyway, but Ellis, Powell and the players have made it clear they intend to do so through the traditional way.

Cozza was no different, concluding: “I’ll be bringing passion and trying to give back to the fans by showing 100% energy every game.”