Wakefield Trinity boss confirms injury blow and praises off-contract winger

Wakefield Trinity head coach Daryl Powell has praised the effort of one on his returning players, labelling him as “one of the best in the comp” if not due to regular injuries.

Experienced winger, Matty Russell, returned to the Trinity side in their huge win over Huddersfield Giants at the weekend. The Scottish international scored two tries upon return, as Wakefield overtook Hull FC to move into the playoff spots with just three rounds to go.

Russell was brought in on a short term deal from Warrington Wolves, and has been used as a strong backup to starters Tom Johnstone and Lachlan Walmsley. Injuries have always hampered the career of the 32-year-old, with this season being no different.

Playing just seven games in all competitions this campaign, Russell has made an impact in his short time on the field, scoring six tries.

After a standout performance against the Giants, boss Daryl Powell heaped praise on the former Leigh Leopards and Toronto Wolfpack man, claiming that without constant injury woes, he could be one of the league’s best.

Speaking post-match after the 44-2 win, Powell said: “Matty put’s his foot down at 100mph, the difficulty for him is doing that every week. Otherwise, if he did, he’s one of the best wingers in the comp.

“The challenge for him is to play more consistently, and when you’re doing that, putting your foot down at 100mph into people hitting you hard then that’s a difficult thing to handle”

Wakefield Trinity boss comments on injury blow to forward

Half way through their dominant win, Trinity suffered a setback with overseas forward Isaiah Vagana being forced off the field due to injury.

Whist, Powell said it was too early to tell the extent of the injury, he admitted that the 25-year-old is a “serious doubt” for their next fixture.

“He’s got a bit of a calf problem which, I don’t know the extent of, I’m hoping it’s not too bad,” said Powell.

“I’d say he’d be a serious doubt for next week but whether it’s more long term I’ll know this week once he’s had a scan.”

Wakefield take on local rivals Castleford Tigers this week, and need another performance like the one on Saturday to keep their spot in the playoffs. Hull FC face Hull KR in the derby, and results going Trinity’s way could make a three-point gap between themselves and the Black and Whites.