Wakefield Trinity confirm interesting first choice halfback partnership for 2023

Wakefield Trinity have been confirming their 2023 squad numbers in what is an exciting new era for the club.

But one thing which remains the same at the changing landscape at Trinity is Mason Lino in the number seven shirt despite the fact they have been linked with a move for former Hull FC, Leeds Rhinos and Castleford Tigers star and Man of Steel winner Luke Gale though that seems unlikely to happen.

Lino, whose record for most goals kicked without missing was broken by Leeds Rhinos star Rhyse Martin, has been a growing presence at Belle Vue developing into a top halfback in Super League.

He will keep the number seven shirt for the third season in a row.

What will be the biggest question is who will join him in the halves? Former Huddersfield Giants and St Helens man Lee Gaskell or new signing ex-Warrington Wolves and Featherstone Rovers halfback Morgan Smith are both up the position.

Smith is a superb and underrated signing however, he will not take on the departed Jacob Miller’s vacant number six shirt.

This is because that will go to Lee Gaskell who joined Trinity from Huddersfield Giants going into 2022.

The 2011 Grand Finalist with St Helens wore 17 last year and played a number of different roles but was also struck by some telling injuries here and there.

He will take on the number six shirt seemingly suggesting that Applegarth seems him as his first choice stand-off despite the signing of Smith.