Some would try and fault the recruitment of Wakefield Trinity going into 2023 as only last year’s top two, St Helens and Wigan Warriors, have made fewer signings than the West Yorkshire side and were in a position where they didn’t require as many reinforcements.
However, Wakefield Trinity have made some huge signings for the new season as new boss Mark Applegarth gears up for the new season and preparations will hot up against Leeds Rhinos on Boxing Day albeit in the cold of winter.
They have drafted in Catalans Dragons man Samisoni Langi after they missed out on him in 2021.
Former Canterbury Bulldogs and Sydney Roosters forward Renouf Atoni has arrived at the club and taken on the number 17 shirt.
Morgan Smith will wear the number 20 after joining from Featherstone Rovers. The halfback has spent time in the Leeds Rhinos academy as well as with Warrington Wolves and London Broncos in Super League.
Their biggest signing though will wear the number 19 in the shape of NRL winner Kevin Proctor.
Formerly of Melbourne Storm and Gold Coast Titans, Proctor is also a former New Zealand international and will arrive in the country on the 27th December.
But will there be any further signings through the door having made four already? Serious About Rugby League understands that Trinity originally wanted five signings.
On further recruitment, Applegarth told BBC Radio Leeds:
“You never say never do you but if we go into Round One with everyone fit and available with the squad that we’ve got, I’ll happy.”
He went on to emphasise the confidence he has in his squad with this bold statement:
“I think we’ve been smart about how we’ve recruited and we’ve got good competition throughout the squad.
“If we do pick up an injury or two, we have cover but more importantly when everyone is fit and available, no one’s spot is guaranteed.
“Everyone is going to have to be performing to get that shirt.”
