Wakefield Trinity boss Daryl Powell has revealed he doesn’t yet know who he will select at half-back this weekend in the Challenge Cup.
Trinity welcome Wigan Warriors to Belle Vue this week, as the knockout format is down to the last eight teams. Wigan have a surprisingly poor track record when visiting Trinity’s ground, having lost their last three games there and seven of the last 10.
Mason Lino returned for Wakefield last week against Castleford Tigers, after being absent since round one duo to a leg injury. He had a slow start in his comeback, with some kick and attacking decisions showing his lack of match practice.
In the second half however, he proved much more pivotal and helped his side secure the 34-0 win over the Tigers, extending the club’s win streak to five matches.
Lino’s return came in place of Jack Sinfield, who can feel incredibly unlucky to be dropped given his form since joining Wakefield at the start of the season.
Powell sees Sinfield as the “long-term” number seven at the club, and whilst he is currently performing well Lino deserved a chance back in the side following his lay-off.
Speaking to the press to preview the Wigan game, Powell said: “I won’t tell you exactly what I’m doing this week,” in regards to who he will select alongside Jake Trueman in the halves.
“Mason did well, I thought. I think the important thing is to make sure that I get the balance right when you’ve got players that fit, like we have at the moment.
“…For Jack, I think he’s done an awesome job. He’s been outstanding. I thought it was the right time to put Mason in last week. I’ll make a call on what happens this week, tomorrow.”
Commenting on Lino’s efforts in that win over Castleford, the boss added: “Mason was a little bit rusty, I thought, last week. That’s why he needed to play.
“I want everybody challenging each other. I thought he did a good job, but I think he’ll certainly play better than that.”
Wakefield Trinity boss explains half-back selection dilemma
One option that Trinity could utilise is having Trueman and Lino as starters with Sinfield on the bench. However, that would likely be at the expense of Harvey Smith, who has been in scintillating form as he partners with Tyson Smoothy in the hooker role.
“I think there is an option for that [selecting all three players]. One of those guys would have to have the potential to play at nine.
“Jack’s done it before. I don’t think we’re putting ‘Truey’ in at nine and I’m not sure Mason put his hand up too much.
“It’s getting it right across the season. We signed Jack Sinfield as a long-term half-back. I think his progression is superb and going in the right direction.
“We’ll just balance it out and get the right decision, hopefully week on week, and keep building what we’re about as a team.”
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