‘A genuine option’ – Wakefield Trinity open talks with back over new contract

Daryl Powell has confirmed that talks have opened with full-back Josh Rourke after proving himself  to be ‘a genuine option’ in his Wakefield Trinity side. 

Rourke, who joined Trinity from London Broncos at the start of the season, is out of contract at the end of 2025, but the club have an option to extend his deal should they wish. 

Max Jowitt is Wakefield’s first choice number one, but injuries to half-backs Jake Trueman and Oliver Russell have forced Powell to reshuffle his spine options on occasion and Rourke has become a handy option for Powell with the 25-year-old being someone he can rely on. 

Speaking to the media ahead of his side’s Round 17 clash with Catalans Dragons, the question was put to Powell about whether a new, or extended deal is on the cards for Rourke. 

“It’s something we have been talking to Josh about,” said Powell. “I think he’s done really well. [With] Max playing at half, he’s been a genuine option at full-back. He’s getting close to that sort of position where you feel really comfortable with him moving forward” 

Rourke has featured eight times at full-back, and a further three off the bench. It can be argued that despite the injuries in the Wakefield spine, a positive to come from it is the ability to allow Rourke to develop, after being one of London’s standout performers last year. 

Trinity will have some recruitment to do in the backs before 2026, with Matty Russell also out of contract at the end of the year and Lachlan Walmsley confirming to All Out Rugby League that he will be leaving the club at the end of the season. 

Extending Rourke’s contract may well be a good bit of business for Wakefield. As it stands, they are full on the quota spots, and Tyson Smoothy confirmed to be joining from Brisbane Broncos and Jazz Tevaga expected to follow.