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Wakefield Trinity captain gives pre-season insight and hails Luke Gale influence

- 02/11/2024 - Rugby League - ABK Beer Test Series - England v Samoa - AMT Headingley, Leeds, England - Mike McMeeken.

Newly appointed Wakefield Trinity captain Mike McMeeken has spoken about his new role, the club’s pre-season and the influence of Luke Gale in the midst of being confirmed as the club’s new skipper.

Following the exit of former captain Matty Ashurst, Daryl Powell has appointed the former Castleford and Catalans man as his captain for the 2025 Super League season.

The England international has since spoken on the Wakefield Trinity YouTube channel about his appointment, arguing that the label of captain does not change what he was set to bring to the club anyway.

He explained: “It’s a big role but I was happy to take on a leadership role in general on the field so to be given the name (captain) is a big thing but it doesn’t change what I do on the field and off the field – I’ll still be the same person.”

The 30-year-old is one of 11 new signings for Wakefield which has made the pre-season period even more important as Trinity tries to gel all their new additions – something they will get to do more efficiently when they head abroad for a warm-weather training camp.

Asked how pre-season had gone, McMeeken stated: “Good, I think we’re into the sixth week. We get a week away in Tenerife next week where we can fine-tune a few things structurally. We’ll also get to spend a bit more time together on and off the field.”

Wakefield Trinity captain on warm-weather training and Luke Gale influence

Several Super League sides have undertaken warm-weather training camps with each of Leigh Leopards, Hull KR and Huddersfield Giants abroad already whilst Wakefield’s neighbours Castleford Tigers head out to Spain this week as well.

McMeeken’s pre-season assessment continued, as he explained: “I think (so far) it’s been good. It’s been tough. The conditioning staff have really put us through it and skill-wise I think we’re just finely tuning the details so we’re getting to the good points.

“This week, along with other teams, we’ve been disrupted a bit with not being able to get on the field so it will be nice to actually train with some rugby posts on the field and finely tune the details of our game.”

Upon returning to England after their week in Tenerife, Wakefield Trinity will host rivals Castleford Tigers in Luke Gale’s testimonial – something that the club’s new captain also commented on.

Gale’s former teammate McMeeken said: “I think it is fully deserved. He has been a great servant to the game and is giving back to the game now by helping the younger players here, as well as the first team.

“It’s thoroughly deserved and hopefully we can get as many people here for that friendly and get him some more money in his pocket.”

Gale, who has taken on the role of Wakefield Trinity Academy coach whilst also working with the first team, has had a key influence so far per McMeeken.

The skipper revealed: “He still jumps in on drills and I think that’s good because we’ve got some young players who can experience playing alongside him. He’s not afraid to get stuck in which is good. He’s been a Man of Steel so he is someone for people to look up to.”

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