Wakefield Trinity boss Daryl Powell has provided a fitness update on some of his players, including some long-term absentees
Powell, who in the same press conference confirmed that the club had had a bid for St Helens centre Harry Robertson rejected, spoke on a number of men, including Lachlan Walmsley.
The winger, who last played in the round two win over Huddersfield, a game in which he scored twice, is close to a return, and is said to be the Trinity player most likely to make their comeback in the next couple of weeks.
Powell said that the Australian could potentially play in the reserves game on Monday before then being called up to the first team squad should he pull through.
Jayden Myers is another nearing a comeback. The former Bradford man went off injured in the defeat to Wigan a fortnight ago. Corey Hall and Oli Pratt are still “a few weeks away yet.”
Hooker Tommy Doyle is also back on the field after a long-term injury has means he has gone 11 months without making an appearance.
As a result of the outside back injuries, Jay Pitts looks set for another week in the centres, with Powell saying: “I think he’s doing well there.
“I wouldn’t want to leave him there for that much longer, to be honest, just to keep him tuned in with what he does in the middle. Sometimes it’s needs must, and I think he’s been pretty solid there.”
Wakefield Trinity youngsters set for Super League opportunity
One of Wakefield’s big philosophies for their long-term future is youth development, and since Matt Ellis has taken over the club, they have made great strides in giving youngsters the best opportunities possible to transform into Super League players.
The likes of John Bastian and Simon Bell were brought in from Leeds, and it looks as though that focus will begin to pay off, with Powell hinting that a number of youngsters could be in line for a top-flight debut this year.
Last week, Kian McGann made a cameo appearance off the bench against Hull FC, and now some more players have been tipped to make the move up to Super League.
“It was only a short game, but for him and for young players at the club, it’s great to see another young player get an opportunity,” Powell said of McGann’s debut.
“We’ve got another, Robbie Brook, would be one who would be close to getting a look at it. Myles Lawford’s been great. He’s been training really well.
“We’ve got a few young players who are there or thereabouts, really. We’ll make a decision as we roll through the season when the right time is for those guys to have a look at it.
“Harvey Smith came back into it last week. He’s another young player who’s playing at a Super League level and doing a great job.”
Charlie Abraham has been named in the 21-man squad on occasion this season, whilst the likes of Ellis Lingard and Noah High made their first appearances for the club last season.
