Mark Applegarth makes big Luke Gale decision

The international break will have been a welcome one for Wakefield Trinity and Warrington Wolves with both sides presumably having reset from recent losses.

They meet tonight and for Wakefield it’s been a sea of losses and the break has likely allowed them to simply refocus, it’s also allowed their signing of a former Man of Steel in Luke Gale who will now try help them out of their situation.

As for Warrington they’d started the season with eight wins from eight but two losses prior to the break probably meant that the week off came at a welcome time.

Of course plenty of their stars were involved for England including the impressive captain’s performance from George Williams but the Wire will still be hoping for a bounce-back win over Trinity on tonight.

With Gale named in Mark Applegarth’s squad there was excitement that it could be a case of former Man of Steel facing the incoming Man of Steel, with George Williams leading the points tally and having been superb all season.

However, Applegarth did warn fans that Gale’s debut could be pushed back to next week’s clash with Gale’s former side Hull FC to get him up to speed.

Now Applegarth has made his decision on the halfback and Gale is now included for his debut this time meaning he will make his debut against the Black and Whites next week.

This means Morgan Smith and Mason Lino start in the halves. After finishing last year in the centres, Lee Gaskell starts there.

Kelepi Tanginoa makes his return against a club who have had an interest in him.

Meanwhile, Daryl Powell has made a shock decision in dropping Matt Dufty to the bench with Josh Thewlis starting at fullback in his place.