Once again Wakefield Trinity have been written off again heading into 2023 and their first chance to prove people wrong comes on Friday night in Super League Round One as they host Catalans Dragons.
The West Yorkshire side are the favourites for relegation but have made some exciting signings such as Kevin Proctor and Renouf Atoni from the NRL as well as Featherstone Rovers halfback Morgan Smith and centre Samisoni Langi who could take on his former club this week.
Speaking of the Dragons, they are in something of a transition after playing in the Grand Final in 2021.
They haven’t finished their recruitment for 2023 either with two squad numbers left vacant. They have a former Wakefield star in their squad however in the shape of Tom Johnstone.
Now the team news is in with Langi given a debut at centre whilst fellow new recruit Morgan Smith is played out of his natural position as the number nine in place of Liam Hood who, like Jordy Crowther, is absent through injury.
Speaking of injuries, Sam Tomkins, Mike McMeeken and Fouad Yaha are absent for Catalans through injury.
Tom Johnstone debuts against his former club on the wing about talk of him playing centre.
Manu Ma’u also debuts. The former Hull FC man is the backrow.
There are debuts for Wakefield in the pack too with Renouf Atoni and Kevin Proctor starting.
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👀 Langi faces former club
🤩 Smith starts at hooker
©️ Ashurst captains the team#OurClubOurJourney pic.twitter.com/kUILq7uNv5— Wakefield Trinity (@WTrinityRL) February 17, 2023
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