Wakefield Trinity boss Willie Poching reveals new signings in pipeline

It’s been a tough old season for Wakefield Trinity.

After being in the doldrums for much of the 2022 season, the West Yorkshire club have come out fighting in the last two months, beating the Wigan Warriors, Castleford Tigers and Hull KR whilst narrowly going down to reigning champions St Helens and Catalans Dragons.

One of those stars at the forefront of that revival is the man known affectionately as the ‘Big Bopper’ – David Fifita, with head coach Willie Poching hailing the forward.

“Deep down he is emotional and cares about his team and the game and the club. It was a big night for him tonight,” Poching said.

Poching also revealed that decisions on Tinirau Arona and David Fifita came about in the past few weeks.

“I’ve known a couple of weeks, they were late decisions. It was the club’s decision on Tinirau and it was on Dave’s part for his whilst it was possibly others’ last home games too.”

Now, though, Wakefield can move forward with confidence that they will be a Super League side in 2023 with the work to get people to sign on the dotted line starting earnestly.

“The recruitment process is one we’ve done with due diligence. We keep taking phone calls and though we’ve got nothing over the line we are actively looking for fresh people and to lift the mantle where those guys have left off.

“It’s been late because of where we have been. I understand people have been nervy to talk to us and commit but hopefully now we have secured our position we can get some confidence off it that we can commit

“We’re still in discussion stages with agents.”

Of course, Trinity have to replace Fifita and Arona, but also Jacob Miller, James Batchelor, Tom Johnstone and Bill Tupou – an unenviable task.