Luke Gale completes stunning return for Wakefield Trinity

Former Leeds Rhinos and Hull FC star Luke Gale completed a stunning return from injury on Sunday to steer Wakefield Trinity to a 40-4 win over York Knights.

Gale ran the show as he looked back to his absolute best in the win dictating play and linking magnificently with Mason Lino.

The duo helped lay the platform for Lachlan Walmsley to score a hat-trick on debut. This comes after he scored a brilliant intercept against Leeds Rhinos in the Wetherby Whaler Festive Challenge. Meanwhile, his fellow new winger Jermaine McGillvary scored a hat-trick against Wigan Warriors in a friendly last week.

Wakefield are looking like the clear favourites to win the Championship and maybe the 1895 Cup as well after defeating York in this fixture.

Luke Gale shines in front of record number of fans

As Gale and co shone, they were doing so in front of a record number of fans from Wakefield Trinity who took their highest ever away following to York Knights.

Speaking after the game on the club’s website, new owner Matthew Ellis said: “Thank you to the unbelievable away support that travelled over to York today to cheer on the team. It was a very proud day for me personally being the first competitive fixture.

“We broke the club’s record for away ticket sales before even adding the people who bought tickets on the day at the stadium. The away support must have been around the 1500 mark which as a club we should be very proud of. Let’s take that following everywhere we go.

“The atmosphere that you created in the away end today was incredible and it was amazing to see how bouncing the stand was.

“The team really delivered on the field but I know for Powelly and the lads that is just the start of what will be a fun packed season.

“From the moment I took control of the club I have felt the full support of the fans. Over 5,000 of you have bought season tickets. We have already sold out the North Stand and Foxes Bar so thank you. We are around the 5,200 mark, let’s keep going and see if we can get to the 5,500 mark and beyond.”