Daryl Powell has set out a challenge to dropped full-back Max Jowitt and a number of other Wakefield Trinity players.
Jowitt was not named in the matchday 17 for the second week in a row with the full-back missing Friday night’s 24-14 Challenge Cup win over Leeds Rhinos, with Josh Rourke the man at the back instead.
Rourke had also played the week prior against Hull FC with mixed reports over whether that was on account of a knock or a selection decision. Either way, Powell laid down his marker on Friday night when selecting Rourke at full-back and he’s now set out a challenge for Jowitt.
Speaking to the BBC before Friday night’s game, Powell spoke about the return of winger Tom Johnstone, explaining that when fit Johnstone will always play before suggesting it’s the other backs who are selection risks.
He said: “I’m always going to pick Tom Johnstone. It’s around some of the other boys who are fighting to be in the team.”
Wakefield Trinity boss on competition for places
Of course, the major positional battle at the moment is between Rourke and Jowitt with Powell challenging the 28-year-old Jowitt to earn his position back.
“It’s very competitive I think,” he said, adding: “Josh Rourke starts again tonight so Max Jowitt has got to try and find his way back into the team.
“That’s the challenge for everybody really at the moment.”
He continued: “We’re reasonably healthy, touch wood, at the moment, so for me players driving hard and being the best they can be is going to make us a better team.”
Will Tate was another who missed out on Friday night despite scoring two the week before against Hull FC, highlighting how stiff the competition is at Trinity.
One man who has seized his opportunity, initially as a result of injury, is Jack Sinfield with the former Leeds Rhinos man named Man of the Match against his old club, continuing his streak of impressive games since replacing Mason Lino.
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