Wakefield Trinity coach Michael Shenton expects to be able to welcome Ky Rodwell back into selection contention next week.
Rodwell is one of the players set to miss this week’s clash with St Helens at Belle Vue, but Shenton has confirmed that he could well be involved next week against Salford Red Devils.
The forward hasn’t featured for the Trin since the win over Castleford Tigers in April, with a knee injury restricting him to making just six appearances all season. As such, his fitness comes as a big boost for Wakefield as they look to make that final push for a play-off spot.
It seems Daryl Powell’s side will be without Tom Johnstone and Caleb Hamlin-Uele a little longer, though. Johnstone has missed the last month of action due to a groin injury and Shenton insists he won’t be rushed back.
Hamlin-Uele, on the other hand, has been struggling with a calf injury and won’t feature this week either as he pushes to make it back before the end of the campaign.
“Ky is doing really well now, he’s come through his rehab and done his final session,” Shenton said. “He’s jumped in the team session today so Ky comes into selection next week hopefully.
“Tom is still a little bit up in the air. He’s just started running again from the groin issues he’s been having but he’s getting through them OK but it will just be a slow build up with Tom.
“We’re not going to rush him back, he’s had no load at all for the last month since he’s been out. We have cover for Tom and it’s just important that he’s fully comfortable and ready to play. He’s had a great season so far, this is the first period he’s missed all year.”
On Hamlin-Uele, he added: “It is what it is. I think he’s progressing nicely through it but it’s a time period where it’s going to be a couple of months from the time he’s done it.
“We’ve spoke about him a lot with how good he’s been. If Caleb is in the mix, obviously he’s in there, there’s no doubt it. It’s a blow to us but it’s someone else’s opportunity.”
Wakefield Trinity injury latest
Wakefield do welcome Liam Hood and Mathieu Cozza back into selection contention this week, though, while Isaiah Vagana returns from suspension.
“It’s the first time for a while actually that there’s quite a few to select from,” Shenton added.
“Getting your 17 right is really important and your bench is vital really to how you play and getting the balance right. You cant always judge or guess what’s going happening in the game because it’s a game to rugby but you need to cover those as well. Always thinking strategy wise, tactically what’s going to happen and are we covered in certain areas.
“Having selection headaches is what you want really. We haven’t had many of those where we’ve had a big squad to select from.”
