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Wakefield Trinity focus outlined as Super League rivals lined up for Luke Gale testimonial

Wakefield Trinity head coach Daryl Powell has outlined two key things he wants to see against Castleford Tigers in Luke Gale’s testimonial.

Despite weather warnings for strong winds, Wakefield Trinity have confirmed that their game against Castleford Tigers will go on as the two clubs honour their former player Luke Gale.

Gale hung the boots up at the end of the 2024 season but he’s expected to make a cameo appearance tonight when his two former clubs meet.

The former England international is now coaching the Wakefield Trinity Academy whilst also working with the first team as he transitions into his new career.

Head coach Daryl Powell has labelled the game as a “good reward” for a “pretty special” player, however, he has also made clear what he expects of his squad given that it’s a vital pre-season clash.

“The key thing is to see our attitude and intent,” he explained to club media.

“We’ve worked hard on a few elements of our game but you never really know until you get into action.

“Obviously we’re playing against a Super League team and they look like they’re pretty strong. I’m looking forward to seeing all those things, how we play, what our attitude is like, how we defend, and how we attack – all of the above really.”

Wakefield Trinity boss hails ‘pretty special’ Luke Gale ahead of testimonial

Luke Gale of Wakefield Trinity

Credit: Matthew Merrick/SWpix.com

After laying down the law on what is expected, Powell moved into a tribute for his former player and now coaching colleague Gale – a man who he worked with at both Castleford Tigers and Wakefield Trinity.

“It’s for a player who has been pretty special as well,” Powell noted.

“It’s the night for his testimonial. I’ve been able to coach him a couple of times in my career and he’s been a fantastic player.

“It’s a just reward for him to have a testimonial year. He had a high-quality year last year and this is a good reward for him.”

The pair first worked together at the Jungle when Gale joined the club in 2015 with the 36-year-old part of that incredible 2017 team that made it to the Grand Final.

Assessing Gale’s career, Powell said: “I’ve coached him a couple of times, at Castleford where he ended up becoming an international player and you’re always proud to see a player develop and grow into that kind of player.

“Obviously, he left and he went and almost won a Challenge Cup on his own at Leeds I thought with the way he played in that game.

“Then I was fortunate enough to coach him again last year. He did a great job, I thought he guided the team around. His voice is fantastic in a team, and he’s got an infectious laugh and sense of humour so it’s been a pleasure to work with him.”

Looking forward, Powell added: “Now he’s on the coaching staff looking to grow and prosper. He’s got plenty of knowledge, he’s doing a great job and I’m looking to see how he goes as a coach just as I did when he came as a player.”

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