Wakefield Trinity have defeated Hull KR in today’s pre-season friendly, and here are the biggest talking points from the game.
Trinity, who put out a squad full of senior players, cruised to victory over the Robins, who’s side was made up largely of fringe and reserve players.
Seth Nikotemo was one of five scorers on the afternoon. He added two tries, one in each half, to help Wakefield to a 34-6 win.
Bill Leyland crossed for KR, as the relatively inexperienced Robins side learned some valuable lessons ahead of the new campaign.
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Hull KR vs Wakefield Trinity talking points
Free-flowing Trinity:
Given the gulf in experience and star power between the sides, the result and performance needs to be taken with a pinch of salt, but take nothing away from Daryl Powell’s men, especially in the first half.
Wakefield showed some excellent attacking signs, and it began just 90 seconds into the game. Jake Trueman placed a delicate kick in behind, and Caius Faatili was there to touch down.
Nikotemo scored on 14 minutes, Trueman again the assister, as he scored from a short ball. Corey Hall and Max Jowitt rounded off the first-half scoring, as Wakefield produced a healthy 22-0 lead at the break.
Back rower Nikotemo crossed for his second on 58 minutes, before youngster Kian McGann crossed in the left corner with two minutes to go after a long ball from Jowitt.
Wakefield injury concern:
Whilst their win would have given the side confidence, it came at a cost, and like Leeds Rhinos yesterday, they suffered injury to a key man.
After scoring the first try, Faatili hobbled off the field, and didn’t return. With just three weeks before the regular season begins, concern will surround the overseas prop as to whether he will be fit in time for Trinity’s round one clash with Toulouse.
One positive they can take from the game though, was the performance of new recruit Tray Lolesio, who started on the bench and made his impact felt when he entered the fray.
If Faatili is out for the start of the season, Trinity have a more than capable back-up in their latest overseas signing.
Robins recruits
In what was an extremely young Robins squad, Willie Peters did opt to give minutes to a few of his new signings.
Though none stood out hugely, Karl Lawton got his first taste of Craven Park, and showed his great experience at times.
Jordan Dezaria looked strong in the pack, whilst young half-back Jack Charles featured alongside Jack Broadbent in the six and seven.
Winger Jumah Sambou had an opportunity in the first half, but was taken into touch, whilst Declan Murphy showed some good signs at full-back.
Cobie Wainhouse and Tom Whitehead also made their unofficial debuts, and both started the game at prop and 13 respectively.
Classy Corey Hall:
The former Hull KR man came back to haunt his former club, as the centre produced a brilliant display in only his second match since August.
Returning first on Boxing Day against Leeds, Hall had a hand in a number of tries, scoring one and assisting another in the first half.
He would only play the first 40, before being replaced by Will Tate for the second half. The 23-year-old has found his place at Trinity, and is developing into a top Super League centre.
