Wakefield Trinity make statement signing of England international

Wakefield Trinity have made the statement signing of England international forward Mike McMeeken with the Catalans man joining on a mammoth four-year contract.

It’s a true statement of intent from the Championship side who are flying high at the top of the Championship after being relegated from Super League last season.

Since then, the club have had a huge revival with a new owner in Matt Ellis as well as the appointment of former Warrington Wolves head coach Daryl Powell.

Recruitment has also been incredibly impressive with the signing of players such as Jermaine McGillvary, Lachlan Walmsley and overseas recruits such as Isiaah Vagana and Caleb Uele.

It firmly seems like Trinity are on their way up and the signing of England international McMeeken confirms that. It had been reported prior to the May 1st deadline for anti-tampering but the club have now confirmed the news.

Posting on their website, Wakefield Trinity announced McMeeken stating: “Wakefield Trinity can confirm the signing of England International Mike McMeeken for the 2025 season.

“The powerful front rower will join Trinity on a four-year deal meaning he will remain at the club until the end of the 2028 season.”

McMeeken “thrilled” to join Wakefield Trinity

McMeeken’s arrival will also see him reunite with Daryl Powell who coached the 29-year-old during his time at Castleford Tigers and the Englishman has now revealed that as one of the key motivations behind the move.

“I am thrilled to be joining this new-look Wakefield team in 2025,” McMeeken said.

“From having a good conversation with Powelly about the direction that the club is going in, it’s a journey that I was extremely keen to be a part of.

“Since Matt’s takeover of the club, I’ve heard nothing but good things both on and off the field. It’s great to see that the fans have shown their loyalty by getting behind the team and turning up in their thousands to games. I am really excited for this new challenge and building something special at this club with so much history.”

Powell himself added: “I think Mike’s acquisition is a statement of intent from the club. He is one of the best professionals I have ever worked with and has grown even more since his time in Catalans as a player and as a leader.

“He is an unbelievable player to build a team around and with the pack that we are building at the club his addition is an outstanding piece of recruitment.

“I know him well from coaching him previously and his ability and professionalism are both right at the top level.

“I look forward to working with him again in the Trinity colours as we drive towards establishing Wakefield as a premier club in British Rugby League.”

McMeeken’s confirmed signing is the second massive transfer story of the day with Hull FC earlier confirming the signing of Leigh Leopards’ captain John Asiata on a three-year deal from 2025.