Super League veteran leaves Wakefield Trinity

Wakefield Trinity have been undergoing a major period of change that’s seen plenty of off-field work and additions to the squad but they’ve now confirmed that veteran forward Eddie Battye has left the club following the completion of his contract.

The 31-year-old Battye joined Trinity after a five year stint with London Broncos during which he played over 100 times, including game time in Super League, and since his move to the Trin he’s featured over 75 times.

His departure comes with the club having been relegated during the 2023 season with Trinity now in a rebuilding phase, both on and off the field, via their new owner Matt Ellis and new head coach Daryl Powell.

Battye’s departure was confirmed via the club website, which read: “Wakefield Trinity can confirm that Eddie Battye, on completion of his 3 year contract, has left the club.

“Eddie joined us towards the end of the 2020 season from Sheffield Eagles and after a successful 8 game loan period earned a long term contract.

“He became a regular in the forward pack and In total played 76 games. Eddie never gave less than 100% for the club.

“The club wish to thank Eddie for his contribution to the club and give best wishes for the future to him and his family.”

Battye made 26 appearances for Wakefield last season, featuring in all but one game of the ill-fated season, but he now departs and will look for a role elsewhere.

It marks more change at Belle Vue following the team’s rollercoaster relegation season in which they started off with 14 consecutive losses, before mounting an all-too-late but very dramatic attempted comeback.

The club has now come under the ownership of local business Matt Ellis who has appointed former Warrington Wolves and Castleford Tigers head coach Daryl Powell as the man in charge, Powell already having recruited former Castleford captain Michael Shenton as his assistant whilst just this morning the club confirmed the arrival of Ben Cooper as Head of Strength and Conditioning.

Trinity have also recently confirmed that forward Renouf Atoni will also be staying having committed to a two-year deal meaning that the club look set to retain a strong playing squad for their Championship campaign.

Battye joins Reece Lyne in departing Belle Vue this week with Lyne heading to recently promoted Doncaster, a move that was confirmed yesterday with the Dons picking up a coup in recruiting the former Super League centre.