Mark Applegarth heaps praise on Wakefield Trinity signing as he reveals star is struggling with injury

Today, Wakefield Trinity got to see two of their new signings in the white, red and blue – albeit in their away kit – of their famous club.

Former Canterbury Bulldogs and Sydney Roosters prop Renouf Atoni scored a vital try in the second half as Trinity came back from 20-14 to a 38-20 win over the Leeds Rhinos.

Meanwhile, halfback, who came through the Leeds academy prior to moving to Warrington Wolves, London Broncos and Featherstone Rovers, started at nine.

After the game, coach Mark Applegarth was full of praise for Smith at hooker:

“He plays some great eyes up rugby does Morgan, he is definitely in the mix with Mason Lino and Lee Gaskell for Round One.

“There’s a difficult choice there. He put his hand up to play nine with Liam Hood injured.”

He went on to elaborate on Hood’s injury as he continued to praise Smith:

“Liam Hood has had a calf strain and Bowes has also had a bit of a strain up until two three days ago so Morgan put his hand up to play nine, so to play nine for 40 minutes and then 40 at halfback, I think it shows what he can do.”

It seems Hood should be ready to go for the opening game of the season.