Super League club desperately chasing mid-season signing

As Leeds Rhinos and Wigan Warriors have shown in the past, a mid season signing can change a season and that is a building narrative around Castleford Tigers and Wakefield Trinity.

In 2019 Leeds’ season was in huge danger. The Rhinos negotiated two swap deals exchanging Tui Lolohea for Salford Red Devils’ Rob Lui and swapping Matt Parcell for former Super League Champion with the Rhinos Shaun Lunt from Hull KR.

They also signed Ava Seumanufagai from the NRL and Rhyse Martin from the Canterbury Bulldogs and Leeds stormed away from trouble to 8th in the league.

In 2006, Wigan did likewise signing the likes of Stuart Fielden who under Brian Noble fired Wigan to safety and Cas were relegated and they will be fearing the same could happen in 2023 with Wakefield making big signings in the shape of Luke Gale, David Fifita and Will Dagger.

They have continued to add signings to their roster.

It was confirmed on Monday that Josh Griffin had left Hull FC but now his move to Wakefield Trinity has been confirmed.

He has signed a deal until the end of 2024, following his release from Hull FC.

Griffin, who started his career with the Red, White and Blue says that “Wakefield was the obvious choice for me, I was lucky enough to make my first team debut there at 17.”

“My goals are to help the club and team out in any way that I can, I will help prepare the boys for the upcoming games.”

“I’ll be working hard until I’m available to play again and I’ll make sure to hit the ground running. There’s plenty of competition for places in the back row, which is only a good thing.”

Griffin will be available for our game against Castleford but highlighted the importance of being focused on the present, “The Cas game is massive, but I also think every game is just as important. Winning three out of the last four, the momentum is with us but it’s important not to look too far into the future and just concentrate on the next game.”

Trinity Head Coach Mark Applegarth is delighted with the signing saying, “I’m delighted we have secured Josh’s services for the rest of this year and next. Not only is he a top quality Super League player, he’s a great person who will help drive standards up in training.”

“I’m looking forward to him joining up tomorrow. He’s a strong runner of the ball and hopefully he will continue his great form that he was in before his ban.”

Interestingly, as Griffin gears up for this big game against Cas after his ban, Griffin was a target of the Tigers as Andy Last revealed speaking to BBC Radio Leeds.

This came as the club confirmed they are still chasing a mid-season signing: “Yeah, I can’t really comment on what other teams are doing. All I know is that we are looking and we’ve had some inquiries about some players. The final part of it is getting the deal done.

“It’s tough. Other teams have been a bit more successful than we have. But we are looking and we want to get that player in that can make a difference.

“Did I know Josh Griffin was available? Yes, I found out on Saturday morning. So, yes, I knew he was available.

“Yes, we had a little conversation, but obviously he’s made the decision to go to Wakefield, so that’s obviously on Josh.”