Wakefield Trinity boss Daryl Powell has confirmed that prop forward Caius Faatili is still struggling through injury, forcing him to miss out this week.
Faatili originally suffered an injury last week in training as he attempted to tackle young half-back Myles Lawford.
That issue cost him a place in the side that travelled to Castleford Tigers, and after not being named in the 21-man squad this week he will be missing for a second game running.
Powell has no concern that the Australian powerhouse will be out for any prolonged period, with Faatili set to be available next week.
The strong thing about Trinity as it stands is the amount of players in good form, so losing the 23-year-old, is not a huge problem going into their Challenge Cup game with Wigan Warriors.
“It’s just taking a little bit longer than we thought, Powell said to the press on Friday. “It’s not bad, he’ll be right next week I think.
Explaining why the injury isn’t as much of a concern as it would be at other times in the season, the boss said: “Tray [Lolesio] did a good job last week. I think if anybody’s not 100% fit, then I tend to go with the guys who are flying at the moment, who are feeling good.
“I probably could have played Caius, he’s telling me he could have played. Anyway, it is what it is. It’s a long season and I’m not risking anybody at this point.”
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Another man who missed the win over Castleford is Jazz Tevaga, the Samoan international who joined the club from Manly Sea Eagles this off-season,
The ball-playing middle wasn’t risked last weekend due to a minor knock, with Powell wanting him to be fully fit for the game this weekend.
“He’s trained pretty well,” Powell said. “He’ll be back in there with a chance of playing this week. As I say, he’s been out there today and looked pretty sharp.”
Despite their two absentees, Wakefield’s pack were in sensational form against the Tigers, with Caleb Hamlin-Uele, Jay Pitts, Isaiah Vagana and Lolesio all making well over 100 metres in the middle of the field.
Trinity’s pack will have to produce similar numbers this week if they are to progress through to the last four of the Cup, as they take on a Wigan side known for their dominant pack.
“I feel like we’re improving,” Powell said after the side picked up their fifth straight win at the weekend. “There are some really good things in our game.
“Defensively, we’ve been pretty solid. Our second halves of games have been outstanding. I think we’re going well.
“I think we’re in a good place. I think the boys are enjoying being out there on the field and challenging themselves. We’re not getting ahead of ourselves, that’s for certain.
“Whilst we’re going well, we’re recognising that there’s always things that we can improve. I still think there is [room for improvement]. I thought last week was a good performance.
“We’re coming up against one of the stiffest challenges in the competition on Sunday. Regardless of whether they’ve got a couple of players missing or not, I don’t think that matters. They’ve got quality everywhere on the field.”
