When Wakefield Trinity run out at Old Trafford on Saturday night, Daryl Powell’s side will be driven by more than just the prospect of lifting a maiden Super League trophy.
According to star winger Tom Johnstone, the squad has found a powerful emotional spark in sending off retiring club legend Jay Pitts, along with departing teammates including Tyson Smoothy and Max Jowitt, on the ultimate high.
Speaking ahead of Saturday’s showpiece against Warrington Wolves, Johnstone revealed that prolonging Pitts’ decorated career was the unspoken rallying cry during their play-off campaign.
“I think that’s the biggest unwritten motivation,” Johnstone explained. “Our game against Leeds, the first play-off game, we said this could be Pittsy’s last game. It’s not going to be—he gets another go. He gets to go again next week.”
Jay Pitts send-off provides ultimate motivation for Wakefield Trinity
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Having busted his body for Trinity across two separate spells, 36-year-old Pitts has taken on a coaching and mentoring role alongside his on-field duties, guiding several younger teammates he will share the field with on Saturday.
“He’s busted himself for us many times over the years. That’s the player he is. Let’s do it for him,” Johnstone added.Â
“He’s a special person, a special player, and just a great human being. There’s no one more fitting to end their career in the way that Pittsy has.Â
“On and off the field, he’s coached some of the guys he’s going to be playing in the Grand Final with, so that just shows the type of person he is. We have to get it done for Pittsy.”
Johnstone also highlighted the extra motivation surrounding the club’s other departing figures, including Smoothy, who could become the next player to win both an NRL and Super League Grand Final in back-to-back years, 12-year servant Max Jowitt, and Lachlan Walmsley, who enters the showpiece game without a contract locked in for 2027 despite a stunning season.
“Lachlan Walmsley as well, he’s without a club for next year,” Johnstone said.Â
“It’s bizarre to me because he’s playing in the Grand Final. I don’t really know how that works, but he’s a great player. He’s really come into his own this year… I feel like he should definitely have something coming.”
Delivering a fairytale ending for Pitts and the departing group remains Trinity’s ultimate mission at Old Trafford.
“To give Max that send-off would be amazing,” Johnstone concluded. “It would probably be the best night of my life.”
