Revealed: Super League side missed out on season saving transfer

Mid-season signings in Super League can have a huge impact in a relegation battle as seen by Wigan Warriors and Leeds Rhinos in the past.

In 2006, Wigan splashed the cash and it was enough to save them under Brian Noble and Castleford Tigers were the side who suffered relegation that season and could be headed that way again in 2023 with Wakefield Trinity doing the business like we have seen from other teams in the past with Leeds Rhinos bringing in Rob Lui, Shaun Lunt, Ava Seumanufagai and Rhyse Martin in 2019.

Wakefield have done great business so far in 2023 with Luke Gale, David Fifita and Will Dagger all having a huge impact on their season.

Now another mid-season signing has been sealed by Mark Applegarth’s side.

It was confirmed on Monday that Josh Griffin had left Hull FC but now his move to Wakefield Trinity has been confirmed.

He has signed a deal until the end of 2024, following his release from Hull FC.

Griffin, who started his career with the Red, White and Blue says that “Wakefield was the obvious choice for me, I was lucky enough to make my first team debut there at 17.”

“My goals are to help the club and team out in any way that I can, I will help prepare the boys for the upcoming games.”

“I’ll be working hard until I’m available to play again and I’ll make sure to hit the ground running. There’s plenty of competition for places in the back row, which is only a good thing.”

Griffin will be available for our game against Castleford but highlighted the importance of being focused on the present, “The Cas game is massive, but I also think every game is just as important. Winning three out of the last four, the momentum is with us but it’s important not to look too far into the future and just concentrate on the next game.”

Trinity Head Coach Mark Applegarth is delighted with the signing saying, “I’m delighted we have secured Josh’s services for the rest of this year and next. Not only is he a top quality Super League player, he’s a great person who will help drive standards up in training.”

“I’m looking forward to him joining up tomorrow. He’s a strong runner of the ball and hopefully he will continue his great form that he was in before his ban.”

Interestingly, as Griffin gears up for this big game against Cas after his ban, Griffin was a target of the Tigers as Andy Last revealed speaking to BBC Radio Leeds.

“Yeah, I can’t really comment on what other teams are doing. All I know is that we are looking and we’ve had some inquiries about some players. The final part of it is getting the deal done.

“It’s tough. Other teams have been a bit more successful than we have. But we are looking and we want to get that player in that can make a difference.

“Did I know Josh Griffin was available? Yes, I found out on Saturday morning. So, yes, I knew he was available.

“Yes, we had a little conversation, but obviously he’s made the decision to go to Wakefield, so that’s obviously on Josh.”